If you’ve injured your back at work—whether from lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, or even prolonged sitting—you may be entitled to workers compensation to cover medical expenses and lost income. However, one of the most common mistakes people make is assuming they will automatically receive their full workers compensation entitlements. Back injury claims are often disputed or underpaid, and many workers miss out on lump sum compensation simply because they were never informed of their rights.
Whether you’re preparing to lodge a claim or suspect you’re not receiving everything you’re entitled to, it’s important to understand how the system works. Read on to find out how to ensure you claim the full compensation and lump sum payments available for your back injury.
Claiming Compensation for a Back Injury at Work – What You Need to Know
If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, your first steps should be to see your GP for a medical assessment and report the injury to your employer. Your employer is then responsible for notifying their workers compensation insurer.
Once a claim has been submitted, many people contact us for assistance with one of the following common scenarios:
- You’re Receiving Back Injury Benefits, But Want to Know if You’re Entitled to More
This is a very common concern. Many clients come to us already receiving weekly payments, only to discover they may also be eligible for lump sum compensation or other benefits that were never explained to them.
- You’ve Been Receiving Back Injury Compensation, But Part of Your Claim Has Been Denied or Benefits Stopped
This is a common issue. Many clients seek our help after having essential treatment or surgery denied by the insurer, or when their weekly payments are reduced or stopped without clear justification.
- Your Back Injury Claim Was Rejected
Workers compensation claims for back injuries are sometimes rejected on the grounds that the injury was not caused by a work-related incident or is attributed to a pre-existing condition.
Workers Compensation – Back Injury Compensation Payouts
If you have sustained a back injury at work in New South Wales and are pursuing a workers compensation claim, the table below outlines the types of benefits and entitlements you may be eligible to receive.
| Workers Compensation Payments NSW | Description |
| Weekly payments | These are payments to compensate you for lost income while you’re off work recovering from your back injury. |
| Medical expenses | Payment of your medical, hospital, ambulance, rehabilitation (including home help) and travel expenses. |
| Permanent Impairment payout | A lump sum compensation payout to cover a permanent impairment as a result of your back injury. |
| Work Injury Damages payout | Also known as a common law claim, this is a lump sum payout for damages if your back injury was caused by your employer’s negligence. |
Permanent impairment compensation and work injury damages are not paid automatically. Even if you are already receiving weekly benefits, you must lodge a separate application to pursue these additional entitlements.
Common Back Injuries That Qualify for Workers Compensation Settlements
At Stacks Goudkamp, we have successfully resolved thousands of workers compensation claims involving back injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
Lower Back Injury Settlements
Lower back sprains and strains frequently occur in workplaces that require lifting, bending, twisting, or prolonged periods of sitting. These lower back injuries are among the most commonly reported in workers compensation claims and account for a substantial portion of total workers compensation payouts.
Lumbar Radiculopathy/Sciatica Workers Compensation Settlements
We regularly receive enquiries from workers suffering from radiculopathy or sciatica, both of which are common and often debilitating back conditions. When pursuing a workers compensation claim for sciatica, the critical factor is demonstrating a clear connection between the condition and the worker’s employment duties.
Lumbar Strain Workers Compensation Settlements
Lumbar strain injuries can occur suddenly, such as from lifting or twisting, or develop gradually through repetitive strain and overuse. As a result, workers compensation claims for lumbar strain commonly arise from both isolated incidents and ongoing work-related stress on the lower back.
Herniated Disc Workers Compensation Settlements
Herniated or ruptured discs are common workplace injuries, particularly in roles that involve heavy lifting or repetitive physical tasks. Given the nature of these injuries and their impact on mobility and work capacity, it’s not uncommon for herniated disc cases to lead to workers compensation claims and substantial settlements.
Back Surgery Workers Compensation Payouts
Undergoing back surgery typically reflects a serious work-related injury, often involving substantial medical expenses, extended time off work, and long-term recovery. As a result, workers compensation settlements for back surgery can be significant, with many cases resulting in payouts reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your ability to work
Spinal Stenosis Workers Compensation Settlements
Spinal stenosis is often caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition resulting from the natural wear and tear of the spine over time. We frequently assist clients whose work duties have aggravated, accelerated, or exacerbated their underlying osteoarthritis, leading to spinal stenosis. Importantly, even if the condition existed prior to the injury, you may still be entitled to workers compensation if your employment has contributed to the worsening of your condition.
Back injury workers compensation lawyers
Back injury claims are among the most common injuries sustained in the workplace. Whether caused by heavy lifting, repetitive strain, slips and falls or a traumatic incident these injuries can have lasting impacts on your ability to work, your quality of life, and your financial stability.
At Stacks Goudkamp, our experienced workers compensation lawyers specialise in helping injured workers with back injury claims across New South Wales. We understand that back injuries often lead to complex medical conditions — including chronic pain, spinal damage, nerve issues and psychologically. In many cases, the full extent of a back injury may not be immediately clear and can worsen over time, requiring ongoing treatment and support.
That’s why it’s essential to have your injuries properly assessed and your claim expertly managed. Our legal team will fight to secure the full range of benefits available to you under NSW workers compensation law, including:
- Weekly payments for lost income
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment
- Return-to-work assistance and vocational retraining
- Damages claims for negligence (where applicable)
With decades of experience and a compassionate, client-first approach, Stacks Goudkamp is here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence. We will guide you every step of the way and ensure you receive everything you are legally entitled to.
If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, don’t delay. Contact our expert team of back injury workers compensation lawyers today.
