Common Lifting Injuries at Work and Your Rights to Sue

Workplace lifting injuries are alarmingly common, particularly in industries that require physical labor, such as construction, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare. Lifting injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and—in severe cases—permanent disability. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic lifting injury at work in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation beyond the standard workers’ compensation benefits. The legal implications depend on the specifics of your case, including the cause of your injury, whether negligence was involved, and your legal rights. 

Lifting Injuries are Common and Can Be Catastrophic

Lifting heavy loads and working jobs that involve repetitive lifting tasks are leading causes of workplace injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 30% of workplace injuries resulting in days away from work involve overexertion or bodily reaction, much of which is related to lifting. In some cases, these injuries can result in long-term health issues, including chronic pain and disability.. 

When employers fail to provide adequate training, ergonomic workstations, or the necessary tools to assist workers in lifting heavy objects, they can often be found negligent of creating hazardous conditions that significantly increase the risk of injury. 

The Most Common Ways People Injure Themselves by Lifting

It’s your employer’s responsibility to demonstrate how to properly lift heavy objects and ensure those techniques are being used in the workplace. They must also provide you with the resources and training you need to avoid injuries. Many lifting injuries in the workplace are caused by: 

1. Improper Lifting Techniques: Twisting while lifting, bending at the waist instead of the knees, and not maintaining a neutral spine can lead to injury.  
2. Overexertion: Lifting objects that are too heavy or lifting repeatedly without proper breaks can strain muscles and joints. 
3. Awkward Postures: Working in confined spaces or lifting items at an awkward angle increases the risk of injury. 
4. Lack of Assistance or Equipment: Attempting to lift heavy items alone without tools like dollies, hoists, or forklifts. 
5. Repetitive Motion: Continuous lifting over time can cause wear and tear injuries, particularly to the back and shoulders. 

The Most Common Lifting Injuries and Their Long-Term Impacts

Back Injuries

Back injuries are among the most frequent and debilitating injuries resulting from lifting tasks at work. They often occur when workers lift heavy loads without proper technique, twist their torso while holding weight, or engage in repetitive lifting over extended periods. Common back injuries include herniated discs, lumbar strains, and muscle tears. These injuries can have long-term effects, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, the need for surgical intervention to regain functionality. 

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries frequently arise in workplaces where lifting above shoulder height or carrying heavy objects occurs regularly. Conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and dislocations are common. Rotator cuff tears involve damage to the tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint, leading to pain and reduced range of motion. If left untreated, these injuries may result in permanent weakness or an inability to lift heavy objects, severely impacting a person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks. 

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries often result from lifting heavy loads while in a squatting or bent-knee position. The added stress on the knee joint can cause torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, or patellar fractures. Ligament injuries, such as tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), can destabilize the knee and require surgical repair. Over time, these injuries can result in chronic issues such as arthritis or necessitate joint replacement surgery, significantly diminishing mobility and quality of life. 

Wrist and Elbow Injuries

Wrist and elbow injuries are often the result of repetitive lifting motions, improper gripping techniques, or overuse in physically demanding jobs. Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons in the wrist or elbow, is a common repetitive strain injury that causes pain and reduced range of motion. Carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. These injuries often require extended physical therapy, ergonomic interventions, or, in severe cases, surgical procedures to restore function and alleviate discomfort. 

How Companies and Third Parties Can Be Negligent in Preventing Lifting Injuries

Just because you were injured while lifting something doesn’t mean that the injury was your fault. Employers and third parties may be liable for lifting injuries when they fail to: 

• Provide Proper Training: Workers must be taught how to lift safely and identify risks associated with heavy loads. 
• Supply Appropriate Equipment: Companies must provide lifting aids like dollies, hoists, or forklifts for heavy items. 
• Ensure Adequate Staffing: Employees should not be left to lift excessively heavy objects alone. 
• Maintain Safe Workspaces: Employers should eliminate hazards that increase the risk of injury during lifting, like slippery floors or cluttered walkways.
• Comply with OSHA Standards: Failure to meet federal regulations regarding lifting safety can make employers liable for injuries. 

OSHA Rules for Proper Lifting at Work

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also requires employers to implement ergonomic practices to reduce the risk of lifting injuries. Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to employer liability in the event of a workplace injury. Some key OSHA recommendations include: 

• Weight Limits: Encourage team lifting or the use of mechanical aids for objects over 50 pounds. 
• Safe Lifting Techniques: Train workers to lift with their legs, keep the load close to their body, and avoid twisting. 
• Ergonomic Workstations: Arrange workspaces to minimize the need for repetitive or awkward lifting. 
• Frequent Breaks: Allow rest periods to prevent fatigue and overexertion. 
• Hazard Assessment: Regularly assess lifting tasks to identify and mitigate potential risks. 

You Could be Compensated for Your Workplace Injuries

If you’ve been injured while lifting at work, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even beyond workers’ compensation. A personal injury lawsuit can help you hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve; it is your right. 

At Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, we advocate for individuals who have suffered catastrophic workplace injuries. We’re here for you and your family when you need us most. Contact us today for a free case consultation.