Injuries From Heavy Lifting

Injuries from heavy lifting are some of the most common and serious workplace injuries, often affecting the back, shoulders, and other major joints. If you suffered injuries from heavy lifting on the job in New Jersey, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, additional compensation from at-fault third parties.

Understanding injuries from heavy lifting

Injuries from heavy lifting happen when the body is forced to move or support more weight than muscles, tendons, discs, and joints can safely handle. These injuries can result from a single incident, such as lifting a very heavy object once, or from repeated lifting over days, months, or years.

Common overexertion injuries include muscle strains, torn tendons and ligaments, herniated discs, and compressed nerves. These lifting-related injuries at work frequently cause missed time from work, ongoing pain, and, in more serious cases, long-term disability.

Common lifting-related injuries at work

Lifting-related injuries at work can affect almost any part of the body, but some areas are especially vulnerable. These conditions often start with soreness and develop into serious, sometimes permanent, limitations if not treated promptly.

Some of the most common injuries from heavy lifting include:

Lower back strain and herniated or “slipped” discs
Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears and impingement
Neck strains and nerve compression
Knee injuries from lifting, squatting, and carrying loads
Wrist, elbow, and forearm tendonitis from repetitive gripping and lifting

How these injuries happen

Most lifting-related injuries at work are preventable. These injuries are frequently linked to unsafe conditions or unreasonable job demands. Workers may be pushed to move too fast, lift too much, or perform heavy labor without proper tools or help.

Common causes include:

Lifting very heavy objects without help or mechanical aids
Repeated lifting throughout the day with little rest
Twisting or bending at the waist instead of using the legs
Awkward lifting in tight or overhead spaces
Poor ergonomics, inadequate training, or a lack of lifting equipment

New Jersey workplaces where heavy lifting injuries occur

Injuries from heavy lifting can happen in almost any New Jersey workplace, not just construction sites and warehouses. Any job that requires frequent moving, carrying, or positioning of objects or people carries a risk of serious harm.

Workers at risk of lifting-related injuries at work include:

Construction and demolition workers
Warehouse, shipping, and delivery employees
Nurses, aides, and other healthcare professionals who lift or transfer patients
Manufacturing and factory workers
Retail and grocery employees moving inventory or stock

Symptoms you should not ignore

Pain after a long day of work is common. Persistent or sharp pain from heavy lifting can be a warning sign of a more serious injury. Ignoring these symptoms can turn a treatable problem into a chronic condition.

Seek medical care right away if you notice:

Sudden, sharp pain in the back, shoulder, neck, or knee while lifting
Pain, tingling, or numbness radiating down the arms or legs
Weakness, loss of grip strength, or difficulty lifting everyday objects
Limited range of motion or “locking” sensations in a joint

Medical treatment and recovery

Treatment for injuries from heavy lifting ranges from rest and physical therapy to injections and surgery, depending on the diagnosis. Many workers need time away from their jobs, work restrictions, or modified duties while they recover.

Frequent treatment measures include:

Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or nerve studies
Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, or occupational therapy
Surgery for severe disc, shoulder, or knee injuries

Workers’ compensation for lifting-related injuries

If you suffered lifting-related injuries at work in New Jersey, workers’ compensation is usually your first source of financial protection. New Jersey’s system is generally “no-fault,” meaning you do not have to prove your employer did something wrong to qualify for benefits.

Through a New Jersey workers’ compensation claim, you may be entitled to:

Medical care for your work-related lifting injury, at no cost to you
Temporary disability benefits replace a portion of lost wages while you cannot work
Permanent partial or total disability benefits are available if your injury causes lasting impairment

When you may have additional legal claims

Workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your employer directly, but in some situations, you may have a separate third-party claim. These claims can provide additional compensation beyond the amount that workers’ compensation offers, including pain and suffering damages.

Examples of potential third-party claims related to injuries from heavy lifting include:

A defective lifting device, pallet jack, or tool that caused or worsened your injury
Unsafe conditions created by a subcontractor or outside vendor
Negligence by a property owner or another company working on the same job site

Why act quickly after a lifting injury

Reporting your injury and getting prompt medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights. Delays can make it easier for an insurance company to question whether your injuries from heavy lifting are truly work-related.

After a lifting-related injury at work, it is important to:

Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible
Request medical treatment through your employer or its workers’ compensation insurer
Follow all treatment recommendations and keep copies of medical records
Avoid returning to heavy-duty work before a doctor clears you

How a New Jersey personal injury lawyer can help

Navigating workers’ compensation and evaluating possible third-party claims can be complicated, especially when you are in pain and worried about your job. An experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney can investigate your injuries from heavy lifting, gather evidence, and pursue all available sources of compensation.

A personal injury and workers’ comp lawyer can:

Help you file or appeal your workers’ compensation claim
Coordinate with your doctors to document the full extent of your lifting-related injuries at work
Identify any negligent third parties and pursue a personal injury claim when appropriate
Negotiate with insurance companies and, if needed, present your case in court

Our commitment to injured New Jersey workers

A serious lifting injury can derail your career, strain your finances, and make everyday tasks a struggle. No worker should have to face this alone, especially when the injury happened while supporting an employer’s business.

Nugent Law is a New Jersey personal injury law firm that helps people who have injuries from heavy lifting. We can provide the guidance and advocacy you need at every stage of your claim. From your first consultation to final resolution, the goal is to protect your rights, secure proper medical care, and pursue the maximum compensation available under New Jersey law.

Call us at (856) 596-9770 or go online to schedule your free consultation with no obligation.