Negligence, contact with equipment, human error, overexertion, and hazardous working conditions can cause workplace injuries. Workplace injuries can affect workers in every field, including retail, healthcare, construction, and education.
Workers may need to take time off work after sustaining a workplace injury. If you’re one of the millions of workers who’ve sustained an injury at work, take these steps to restore and protect your health following your injury.
Get Treatment
You must see a doctor immediately. Doctors are qualified to assess your physical health and can refer you for tests to confirm the extent of your injuries. Once you have a comprehensive diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to specialists.
Physical therapists develop treatment plans to address mobility issues and help patients manage or reduce their pain. If you’ve broken a leg or fractured your spine, you may need to see a physical therapist. Physical therapists use exercises to help patients rebuild muscle strength, restore motor functions, regain their balance, and restore their mobility. Physical therapists also teach patients how to use assistive devices.
Other workplace injuries can include concussions, torn ligaments or cartilage, lacerations, and brain damage. Workers who are injured on the job may require short-term medical care. When injuries are severe, workers may have extensive healthcare needs stemming from their condition.
You may opt to take cannabidiol (CBD) products, such as CBD drops, CBD softgels, and CBD gummies, following your injury. CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants. CBD products may be used by people experiencing anxiousness, mental tension, swelling, or discomfort. CBD oil, capsules, and edibles are required to have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels below 0.03%, which means you won’t get high from using cannabinoid products.
Talk to a Lawyer
Google “workers compensation attorney in Illinois” to find personal injury attorneys in your area who handle work injury cases. These lawyers specialize in representing clients who have been hurt at work and are familiar with relevant case law that could have a bearing on the type and amount of compensation you could receive. Workers’ compensation lawyers offer free consultations, which means there’s no risk in having them assess your situation to determine your options.
Although you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation, you may not be offered enough money to cover the healthcare costs associated with treating your condition. You may opt to hire a lawyer to negotiate coverage for these expenses. You may also have grounds to sue your employer if their negligence or recklessness caused your injury. Since you may have extensive and expensive healthcare needs stemming from your accident, you may need to turn to a legal professional to ensure your medical bills are covered. Otherwise, you may not be able to afford the treatment you need.
If you need to go to court, your lawyer can help you prepare and advise you about presenting yourself in court. You can make a good impression by wearing dress pants and a dress jacket, or pair a jacket with a dress or skirt and blouse. Your outfit can make an impression on the judge and affect their opinion of you. Professional, respectful attire can ensure the judge and jury consider you credible. Use the same guidelines if you’re attending settlement negotiations or giving a deposition.
File for Benefits
Workers’ compensation does not pay your full salary if you’re unable to work, which is why you may need other assistance to cover your expenses after a workplace injury. You may be eligible to receive other benefits, such as food stamps. In some cases, you may also qualify to receive short-term disability benefits. If your injuries are severe and you’re permanently disabled, you may be eligible to receive permanent disability benefits. People who qualify for disability benefits will also receive Medicare.
If you hire a personal injury lawyer, your attorney may be able to provide information about benefit options you can pursue. Besides benefits that cover your medical and daily living needs, you may also qualify for educational expenses. Workers’ compensation may cover the cost of retraining if you’re unable to return to the job you had when you were injured. Paid retraining may enable you to earn the credentials needed to change career fields and return to the workforce.
Document Everything
Make notes about your injury and document any relevant information that may be pertinent. For example, if you were the fifth staff injured in the same way at work within the past month, there’s a higher probability that your employer may be guilty of negligence. Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) inspections might identify safety code violations your employer failed to address. Note any witnesses you were present when you were injured, and keep records of your symptoms, medical appointments, and healthcare costs. This information can be used to build a legal case if you need to hire an attorney to negotiate appropriate compensation.
See a Therapist
Workplace trauma and injuries can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that affects your mental and emotional well-being. PTSD may be short-term in some cases, but some people who have this disorder may be affected by it for years. Common symptoms include agoraphobia, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and nightmares.
Your injury may also cause you to suffer from stress and anxiety. You may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation if you suffer from severe mental health issues caused by your workplace. A lawyer can advise you about the laws in your state and whether or not you’re eligible. If you’re pursuing a claim against your employer for a physical injury, you may qualify for additional compensation for counseling.
See a qualified therapist who can assess your condition and learn how to cope with your mental health issues. With long-term therapy, you may be able to return to work or learn to manage your symptoms effectively.
After a workplace injury, you should seek medical care to protect your health. With a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, you may be able to restore your physical and mental health. Apply for benefits to ensure your financial needs are addressed and prevent financial stress from compounding your health needs. You may also need to take legal steps to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
