With upwards of three million nonfatal workplace injuries occurring nationwide every year, getting injured on the job can feel like more of a matter of when not if. Unfortunately, many don’t take advantage of workers' compensation benefits — 40% of workers to be exact.
It can be difficult (overwhelming even) to navigate the ins and outs of workers' compensation and get everything to which you're entitled. That’s where we come in.
Our team of experts at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery walks alongside you from the beginning of your injury to your first day back on the job. Here’s a closer look at your first steps after getting hurt at work.
Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as possible. Most laws require that you do so within 30 days of your injury. Wait too long, and you may not be eligible for benefits.
You should also make sure you fill out a workplace injury report. Each employer is different, but all are required to provide appropriate documentation and maintain accurate records. When you’ve been injured, demand to fill out the report even if you’re told it isn’t necessary. It’s not a bad idea to get a copy for your records, as well.
You also shouldn’t wait too long to seek a doctor after your accident at work. That includes any injury you believe to be minor. Not only does this ensure you get proper medical care, but you also have up-to-date records that can protect you if you have a dispute with your employer.
We have years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of workplace injuries, from broken bones and soft tissue problems to overexertion injuries. Depending on your needs, we treat your workplace injury with:
If your injury is severe enough or does not respond to nonsurgical treatments, we may recommend surgery.
But we don’t stop at helping you get back to working shape. We continue to support you by creating a customized return-to-work plan, which includes any necessary modifications and accommodations you might need.
Even if you were able to get all your benefits and make a full recovery, chances are you don’t want to go through the worker’s compensation process again. Consider these accident-prevention strategies to keep you from getting hurt on the job in the future;
Simply communicating with your supervisors about unsafe areas or practices and ensuring that you and your coworkers are properly trained can go a long way in keeping you and others safe.
Been hurt on the job? Don’t wait any longer. Call or click to schedule an appointment with one of our workers’ compensation experts.
