Hurt on the Job? The Dos and Don’ts of Dealing with a Work Injury

Did you know that a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds? That’s 510 injuries per hour, or 12,300 per day. Neck and back pain, muscle strains, cuts, and falls are all common in the workplace.

Some industries have higher rates of injury than others. Construction, manufacturing, shipping, and transportation are just a few examples. Even sitting at a desk for too long can weaken your muscles and joints, leading a higher injury risk.

But what’s the best way to deal with a work injury? Should you treat it at home or see a doctor? How can you tell when it’s time to consult a lawyer?

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for handling work-related injuries. Let’s get into it!

DO See a Doctor

If you experience a work injury, see your doctor as soon as you can. Describe your symptoms in detail so they can file a medical report. Let them know about any discomfort, pain, and limitations you experience.

Let’s say you’re a construction worker and your employer asks you to remodel a building. When you arrive there, you realize that there are toxic fumes and hazardous chemicals everywhere. A few days later, you begin to cough, experience difficulty breathing, or have migraines. 

Head over to the doctor’s office and let them know about your situation. Later, you can use the medical report as evidence of your injury when dealing with your employer or their insurance providers.

DO Keep All Receipts and Bills

Obtain and keep all of the bills for your treatment, medications, medical supplies, and more. If it was your employer’s fault, you may be able to receive compensation and have your expenses covered.

In case they refuse to pay, make sure you contact a lawyer. A qualified attorney, such as those working at Bader Law Firm, can help you get the compensation you deserve.

DO Report the Injury to Your Employer

Let your employer know about your injury. Otherwise, they may be able to deny your claim.

If you have any witnesses, ask them to describe what happened to your employer. Do these things as soon as possible. Your employer is legally required to file a First Report of Injury.

Many times, employees don’t report the accident to their supervisors, hoping that the pain and discomfort will eventually subside. After a few days, when their symptoms worsen, they decide to report what happened. Unfortunately, it’s usually already too late.

DON’T Hide Previous Injuries

A common mistake among workers is not disclosing previous work injuries. Some think that it simply doesn’t matter, while others didn’t do it because they were afraid of losing their job.

Not disclosing previous injuries will only make things worse. You might even be accused of fraud or lose your right to receive compensation.

DON’T Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance companies seek to obtain recorded statements from the victims so they can investigate their claims. The problem is that anything you say can be used against you.

Don’t discuss any details of your accident or give statements to insurance providers unless you have a lawyer next to you. An experienced attorney will guide you through the process and make sure that you avoid common pitfalls.

Deal with a Work Injury the Right Way

A work injury can affect your quality of life as well as your ability to work and function normally. Many times, its symptoms occur days or weeks after the accident when it’s too late to file a claim against your employer.

After seeing your doctor, consult an attorney and ask for their opinion. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer.