Common Workplace Accidents Leading to Back and Neck Injuries

April 29, 2025
By Jon C. Boesen
Prev Post

Back and neck injuries are among the most common—and most disabling—injuries workers face on the job. Whether you work in an office, on a construction site, or in a warehouse, accidents can happen quickly and leave you with long-term pain, limited mobility, and even permanent disability.

At Boesen Law, we represent workers across Denver who have suffered serious spinal and cervical injuries in the workplace. If you’re dealing with a work-related back or neck injury, understanding how it happened—and what your legal rights are—is the first step toward recovery and fair compensation.

Why Back and Neck Injuries Are So Serious

While some back and neck injuries heal with time and physical therapy, others can be life-changing. Damage to the spine, vertebrae, or surrounding muscles and nerves can result in:

  • Chronic pain

  • Limited range of motion

  • Herniated or bulging discs

  • Nerve compression (sciatica)

  • Spinal fractures

  • Permanent disability or paralysis

Even a relatively minor accident can lead to lingering symptoms that make it hard to return to work or perform everyday tasks.

Top Workplace Accidents That Cause Back and Neck Injuries

Here are the most common types of on-the-job accidents that lead to serious neck and back trauma:

  1. Slip and Falls

Wet floors, icy walkways, loose cords, or uneven surfaces can cause sudden falls that result in painful spinal compression or whiplash. These injuries are especially common in warehouses, retail environments, and office buildings with poor maintenance protocols.

  1. Lifting Injuries

Improper lifting technique or carrying heavy objects without support can easily strain the lower back or lead to herniated discs. These injuries often occur in shipping, construction, and healthcare roles—but can happen anywhere physical labor is involved.

  1. Falling from Heights

Workers on ladders, scaffolding, or raised platforms are at serious risk of spinal trauma if they fall. Falls from height can cause spinal fractures, slipped discs, and severe neck injuries—especially in construction and roofing jobs.

  1. Vehicle and Machinery Accidents

Forklifts, delivery trucks, or machinery can cause serious impacts or rollovers that lead to blunt force trauma to the neck and back. In some cases, these accidents may also involve crush injuries or whiplash from sudden stops or collisions.

  1. Repetitive Strain Injuries

Even if your job doesn’t involve heavy lifting, repeating the same motion over time can wear down spinal structures. Office workers, warehouse pickers, and assembly line employees are especially vulnerable to repetitive stress injuries that affect the neck and upper back.

  1. Workplace Violence or Assault

In rare but serious cases, acts of workplace violence or physical assault can lead to neck and back injuries. These incidents can involve direct blows or being shoved into hard surfaces, resulting in disc damage or spinal trauma.

What to Do After a Workplace Back or Neck Injury

If you’ve suffered a back or neck injury at work, you should:

  1. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible

  2. Seek immediate medical attention and document your symptoms

  3. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, including physical therapy or specialist visits

  4. Keep all records related to the accident and your medical care

  5. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your legal rights

Can You Get Workers’ Compensation for Back and Neck Injuries?

Yes—Colorado workers’ compensation law generally covers back and neck injuries if they occurred during the course of employment. However, many workers face challenges such as:

  • Delayed or denied claims

  • Disputes over the severity of the injury

  • Pressure to return to work too soon

  • Low settlement offers that don’t cover long-term treatment

An experienced attorney can help you challenge these issues and maximize the benefits you receive.

When Can You Sue for a Workplace Back Injury?

While workers’ comp usually prevents you from suing your employer, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim if your injury was caused by:

  • A negligent subcontractor

  • A defective product or machine

  • Unsafe premises owned by someone else

  • A reckless driver while you were driving for work

These claims can help you recover full damages, including pain and suffering—not just the limited benefits available through workers’ compensation.

Talk to a Denver Back and Neck Injury Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured on the job and are dealing with back or neck pain, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. At Boesen Law, our Denver workers compensation lawyers fight for injured workers across Colorado and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to—whether through workers’ comp or a personal injury lawsuit.

đź“ž Call 303-999-9999 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation today.