If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Stop lifting and straining.
- 2Get emergency care or call 911 for severe pain, a bulge that's hard, tender, discolored or won't go back in, or nausea, vomiting or fever.
- 3Tell your supervisor what happened, including what you were lifting.
- 4Report the injury in writing and keep a copy.
- 5Write down the date, time, the object and its approximate weight, and whether you felt a pop, tear or sudden pain.
- 6Make an appointment to be evaluated, even if the pain eases.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Hernias at work often happen with a specific lift — a heavy box, a bag of concrete, a keg, a patient — but sometimes they're noticed later after a stretch of heavy work. If you remember a specific moment, write it down. If not, describe the heavy work you've been doing and when you first noticed the bulge or pain.
Employers and insurers sometimes ask whether a hernia was there before. Be honest. If you had no symptoms before the lift, say so. Your clinician's evaluation helps answer how it relates to work.
Your employer generally sends the report to its insurer or claims administrator. Deadlines to report and file vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible.
Keep records of the lift, appointments, any time off, and the restrictions you're given.
Getting medical care
Occupational medicine or primary care is a common first stop, and a clinician may order imaging. Some people are referred to a surgeon to discuss options. A licensed clinician decides what testing and care are appropriate after an evaluation.
Tell the clinician it happened at work and describe the lift. Mention any prior hernias or abdominal surgery. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see first, so ask your employer or adjuster.
If you're prescribed medication, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Many can be filled locally or delivered to your home.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- Your claim is denied because the hernia is called pre-existing or not work-related.
- There are disputes about surgery or specialist care.
- You're asked to keep lifting before you're cleared.
- Your hernia comes back after returning to heavy work.
- You can't return to a lifting job.
- You're treated differently after you report.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Follow your clinician's plan and instructions on activity. Recovery timelines vary, and returning to heavy lifting too soon can cause problems.
Ask your doctor for clear lifting limits in writing and how long they last. Ask your employer about light duty, like driving without loading, scanning, inventory or training.
Keep your supervisor and adjuster updated after each visit, and tell your clinician right away if pain or the bulge returns.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: Is this a hernia, and what kind?
- Doctor: What warning signs mean I need emergency care?
- Doctor: How much can I lift, and for how long?
- Employer: Is light duty available within my lifting limits?
- Employer: Can I get a copy of my injury report?
- Adjuster: What is my claim number, and how are specialist visits handled?
- Attorney: My employer says the hernia was pre-existing. What should I know?
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a hernia from lifting at work?
Many people report hernias after heavy lifting or straining at work. Only a clinician can evaluate the cause. Report it in writing and describe the lift.
What are the signs of a hernia after lifting?
Common signs include a bulge in the groin or abdomen, a pulling or burning feeling, and pain when lifting, coughing or straining. Get it evaluated. Seek emergency care for severe pain or a bulge that won't go back in.
Is a hernia from lifting covered by workers' comp?
Hernias from work lifting are often handled through workers' compensation, depending on your state and situation. Some states have specific rules for hernias. Check with your state's agency.
When is a hernia an emergency?
Get emergency care or call 911 if the bulge becomes hard, very painful or discolored, won't go back in, or comes with vomiting or fever. These can be signs of a serious problem. Don't wait.
What if my employer says my hernia was pre-existing?
Tell your clinician your history honestly, including whether you had symptoms before. Their evaluation helps. Many people talk with an attorney if a claim is denied for that reason.
When can I lift again after a hernia?
Your clinician decides, and timing varies. Ask for written lifting limits. Ask your employer about light duty.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).