No one expects to get hurt at work, but it happens more often than you think. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2019 alone.
Unfortunately, many employees brush off their work injuries, assuming they’ll just get better on their own. But ignoring a work injury can lead to more serious health problems down the line, and it can even cost you your job. In this post, we’ll explore five reasons why you shouldn’t brush off a work injury and why you should seek workers comp.
Early Treatment is Key
The longer you delay seeking treatment for a work injury, the more likely it is to become worse. Even minor injuries can turn into major issues if left untreated. Even seemingly minor aches and pains can be indicative of a more serious issue that requires medical attention.
Early treatment is essential for avoiding long-term damage and disability. By taking action quickly, you can ensure that your injury doesn’t become worse over time. This can help to prevent further pain, suffering, and costly medical bills down the road. Plus, seeking workers comp right away will give you access to any needed therapy or treatments from the start.
Work Injuries Can Have Long-Term Consequences
If you ignore a work injury, you could end up with long-term health problems. For example, a repetitive strain injury like carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and limitations in your daily activities.
For example, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck or back strain can all lead to chronic pain down the line. Additionally, some of these conditions may even be disabling if not properly addressed. Seeking treatment early can prevent the injury from becoming worse and reduce the likelihood of complications.
You’re Entitled to Workers’ Comp
If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover your medical bills and lost wages while you recover. However, if you delay seeking treatment, you could jeopardize your chances of receiving workers comp benefits. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a work injury can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Workers’ comp covers a variety of injuries, from acute trauma injuries such as broken bones and lacerations to repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis. It also covers illnesses caused by hazardous workplace conditions, such as asbestos-related diseases or chemical burns.
Additionally, workers comp may cover mental health issues that are the result of work stress or traumatic events in the workplace. Regardless of the type of injury or illness, if it is caused by a workplace hazard, workers comp may cover all related medical expenses. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible after a work-related injury or illness to ensure you get the full range of benefits available.
Your Job Could Be at Risk
If you brush off a work injury, it could impact your ability to do your job. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to take time off work to recover. If you delay seeking treatment, your injury could become worse, and you may need to take more time off work. This could lead to your employer becoming frustrated with your absenteeism and could put your job at risk.
Even before you apply for a worker’s comp, it’s important to protect yourself if you are injured at work. First, make sure to report the injury right away and seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will help establish a timeline for your injury, which may be necessary when filing for workers comp benefits.
Additionally, keep all communication with your employer professional and document any interactions related to the injury or illness. Lastly, consider speaking with an attorney or a worker’s comp specialist to ensure that your rights are protected. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from being fired over an injury.
It’s the Law
Finally, seeking medical attention for a work injury is the law. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees. If you are injured at work, your employer is required by law to provide you with workers compensation benefits. Failing to seek treatment for a work injury could be seen as neglecting your responsibilities as an employee.
A work accident lawyer will be keenly aware of how a workplace can be negligent in regard to worker safety. Any evidence that an employer has neglected their responsibility to ensure safe working conditions or failed to provide necessary safety equipment will be taken into consideration when evaluating a worker’s comp claim. Employers who do not take the proper steps to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace may face legal repercussions. If workplace negligence can be proven, it may result in the claimant receiving higher compensation or other punitive damages.
If you are injured at work, don’t brush it off. Seeking medical attention early can prevent the injury from getting worse, reduce the risk of long-term health problems, and help you get the workers comp benefits you deserve. It’s also important to remember that ignoring a work injury can put your job at risk and could even result in legal issues. So, if you are injured on the job, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health, your job, and your legal rights may depend on it.
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance, and family issues. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find Dixie on Facebook.
