If you find yourself injured at work, a flood of emotions comes pouring out. There’s pain, anger, frustration, fear, and maybe even some embarrassment. But you can’t let these emotions cloud your judgment. The decisions you make over the first 24 hours are crucial to what happens next.
The Brutal Reality of Workplace Injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses are reported by private industry employers each year in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these incidents could have been prevented if the affected employees had been better informed about their rights and the steps they should take after being injured on the job. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common mistakes that workers make after being injured at work, so you can avoid these pitfalls and get the compensation you deserve.
10 Mistakes You Should Absolutely Avoid Making
If you find yourself injured at work, chances are you’re in new territory. This isn’t something you’ve ever been through before. However, don’t let the strangeness of the situation force you to make bad choices. Here are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
1. Not reporting the injury immediately: If you’re injured at work, it’s important to report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove that the injury was work-related. Additionally, your employer may have strict reporting deadlines that you must meet to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
2. Failing to get medical treatment: If you’re injured on the job, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will this help you recover more quickly, but it will also create a record of your injury that can be used to support your workers’ compensation claim. If your employer offers a company doctor, you should still consider getting a second opinion from an independent physician to ensure that your injury is properly diagnosed and treated.
3. Not following your doctor’s orders: If your doctor recommends that you stay home from work or follow certain restrictions, it’s important to follow their advice. If you don’t, you risk making your injury worse and jeopardizing your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
4. Not telling the truth: When reporting your injury or filing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to be honest and truthful. If you’re caught lying or exaggerating your injury, you could face serious consequences, including the denial of your claim and even criminal charges.
5. Not keeping track of expenses: If you’re injured at work, you’ll likely incur a variety of expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and transportation costs. It’s important to keep detailed records of these expenses, including receipts and invoices, so you can be reimbursed for them if your workers’ compensation claim is approved.
6. Not getting a lawyer: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or you’re not receiving the benefits you’re entitled to, it’s imperative that you get a lawyer as soon as possible. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the complex process of appealing a denial and fight for your rights.
7. Not appealing a denied claim: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, it’s important to appeal the decision. The appeal process can be lengthy and complicated, but with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney, you can increase your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.
8. Not being patient: The workers’ compensation process can be slow and frustrating, but it’s important to be patient and understand that the process is designed to protect the rights of both employees and employers. As mentioned above, if you’re not receiving the benefits you’re entitled to, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.
9. Not understanding the law: Each state has its own workers’ compensation laws, and it’s important to understand these laws before filing a claim. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the laws that apply in your state and ensure that your rights are protected.
10. Not seeking rehabilitation: If you’re injured at work, you may be eligible for rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy or job retraining. These services can help you recover more quickly and back to work, and can also be a crucial factor in getting your workers’ compensation claim approved. In some states, you may be required to participate in rehabilitation in order to receive benefits. Make sure you understand the requirements in your state and take advantage of any rehabilitation services that are available to you.
Adding it All Up
Workplace injuries are scary. They can have a significant impact on your life, both physically and financially. By avoiding the mistakes highlighted in this article, you can increase your chances of getting fair compensation and returning to the job as soon as possible.