I injured my back at work & I missed 3 shifts due to pain....?

Question

I had pulled open a drawer to this cart, was bending over it and heard a SNAP! or a POP! Then I had severe pain in the left side of my lower back, right next to my spine. I went down (I felt extremely dizzy and nauseated) onto my knees, then I slowly made it over to my butt. I pushed myself up with my arms to keep the weight off my spine. I could barely move due to the severe pain. My coworkers called 911 and I was quickly treated at the hospital and released. As a result, I missed 3 shifts, (this happened on a saturday night shift) Monday- day shift, tuesday night shift, and wednesday day shift. I was able to return to work friday, but i was still pretty sore. I didn't have many sick days I could take.

Am I elegible for any workmans compensation? I'm not interested in getting free money, I just want to be paid for those 3 shifts that I missed although it wasn't my fault.

nothing like this has ever happened before, I haven't had any injuries or illnesses (other than occasional cold/ flu, etc).

Answer 1

Yes, you are available, but many companies have a time limit you are supposed to report this during - usually very quickly, so if you want to file as soon as possible.

HOWEVER, let me warn you, I did this and I had to go to the workman's comp doctor - I had to go 3 times a week and to physical therapy as well.  I missed much more work due to the doctor and physical therapist than I would have during the shifts I missed.  And you aren't compensated for that time, but your boss does have to let you off for it.  

It would be a much bigger hassle to try to get the shifts paid for than it will be worth, you have to jump through so many hoops it's ridiculous, plus the doctors I met were a joke!

Answer 2

You should be able to file for workmans comp, they will pay your hospital/medical bills and missed pay if your claim is approved. Yours sounds like it should be since you had witnesses.

Answer 3

Yes. Make sure you fill out an incident report ASAP! If you are injured on the job, you are covered.