Lifting

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Heavy Lifting Accidents Are Common In Industries Across Texas and New Mexico

Heavy lifting takes place across a variety of industries. From retail to construction, medical offices, restaurants, warehouses, and even small offices — nearly every type of work environment may require that workers perform heavy lifting. However, some industries are known to have higher risks of work-related lifting accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), heavy lifting tends to be one of the most reported injuries in the nation.

The Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C. is committed to defending victims who have been injured at work. As a workers’ comp attorney, Mr. Martinez knows that these cases require someone with experience and determination to fight for the maximum compensation.

Types of Lifting Injuries

Workers are frequently asked to lift heavy items without proper instruction or equipment.

  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains: When muscles are overstressed, this often results in an acute strain or sprain. Prolonged or repetitive movements of the muscles and tendons often result in a chronic condition. Symptoms to look for include muscle cramping, difficulty walking, decreased flexibility, pain when bending, and discomfort standing for a long period of time.
  • Lumbar vertebral disk herniations: Herniations typically occur when the tissue of the vertebral disk slips out of place. This usually takes place in the lower back. Symptoms may include trouble sleeping and muscle spasms as well as discomfort when moving.
  • Abdominal hernias: Frequent heavy lifting may result in hernias that lead to weakness in the abdominal muscles, fluid displacement with the abdomen, as well as problems with full body weakness. Symptoms of abdominal hernias include fever, constipation, nausea, urinary issues, and pain in the abdominal area.

Other common injuries include:

  • Back sprains
  • Muscle pulls
  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow injuries
  • Spinal injuries
Lifting Accident Lawyer, El Paso

Symptoms of Accidents Involving Heavy Lifting

The U.S. sees approximately 6.3 million work-related injuries, and nearly six thousand of those result in death. Those who survive face issues with acute or chronic back problems. While symptoms are often gradual, they may develop into lifelong injuries.

Common symptoms include:

  • Back pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Muscle spasms
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Bowel dysfunction
  • Discomfort in legs and buttocks
  • Tenderness in affected areas

Causes of Lifting Accidents

Among the numerous causes of lifting accidents at work, these tend to be the most common:

  • A lack of training or equipment
  • Repeated lifting of heavy objects
  • Dropping objects while lifting them

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured as a Result of a Heavy Lifting

1. Contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney who will help you file a workers’ comp claim.

2. With the assistance of your attorney, file a claim with your employer.

3. Seek medical assistance.

4. Continue working with your lawyer until a settlement is reached.

Connect With an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

If you’ve been involved in a heavy lifting accident, our experienced attorney Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C. can assist you with filing a claim for compensation. We’re happy to answer initial questions as you begin searching for a path of clarity. As a board-certified attorney in El Paso County and the state of New Mexico, Mr. Martinez works with injured workers within the southwest region. Contact us today to learn more.