Karen was used to being on her feet and working hard.

Her job in food service meant long hours standing, bending, lifting trays and supplies, and keeping up in a busy kitchen. It was physical work, and it was the kind of work Karen knew.

Then a back injury changed what she was able to do.

Karen developed serious lower back pain that traveled into her leg. Even after going to the emergency room, taking medication, and trying conservative treatment, the pain continued. Doctors restricted how much she could lift, and eventually she was unable to return to work.

That put Karen in a difficult position. Her job required the exact movements her back could no longer handle: lifting, carrying, bending, and standing for long periods of time.

Finding a different kind of job was not simple either. Karen speaks limited English and had spent her working life in physically demanding jobs, not office work.

Our team helped Karen through her workers’ compensation case while she focused on her treatment and recovery. Her case needed to account for more than just the injury itself. It also needed to reflect her ongoing pain, work restrictions, time away from work, and the effect the injury had on her ability to earn a living.

For Karen, getting help with her case meant she did not have to figure out the workers’ compensation system on her own while dealing with a painful back injury and being unable to return to her regular job.

We were proud to help her move forward.

If you’ve been hurt at work and you’re worried about getting treatment, missing paychecks, or being able to return to your job, call Donahoe Kearney at 202-393-3320.