I Was Injured at Work: What Are My Next Steps?
About 3 million Americans suffer a workplace injury every year, and most are strains, sprains, and other orthopedic concerns. Workers’ compensation insurance covers expenses for injured employees, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
FXRX, founded by orthopedic specialist Dr. Sumit Dewanjee, accepts workers’ compensation claims. Services at FXRX include the highest quality care for rotator cuff injuries, joint disorders, tendon tears, and other painful orthopedic issues.
Our team is happy to provide insight into the workers’ comp process and what to do when you are injured at work.
Prioritize your health and safety
Your priority should be your health and safety in the immediate aftermath of a workplace injury. Seek medical attention promptly, even if the injury seems minor. Report the incident to your supervisor or employer, ensuring they know the situation and can take appropriate action.
Follow protocol
When it comes to injuries sustained in the workplace versus those that happen elsewhere, there are distinct differences in how they are documented and compensated. The rules vary by state.
When an injury occurs on the job, you must report it to your employer as soon as possible. This initiates the workers' compensation process, which requires detailed documentation of the incident and the resulting injury. This documentation is crucial for both medical treatment and potential compensation claims.
Most workplaces have specific procedures for reporting injuries. Become familiar with these steps, and follow these protocols after an injury. You must also meet deadlines for submitting various forms during the treatment and recovery phases.
Employers, injured employees, and the treating physician play key roles in this process. Our team at FXRX has significant experience in providing the medical information you require in a timely manner.
Follow medical directions
Adhering to Dr. Dewanjee’s instructions throughout your treatment is essential for a successful outcome following a workplace injury.
For instance, Dr. Dewanjee’s treatment includes a rehab strategy that restores full, pain-free mobility as soon as possible. He bases his recommendations for returning to work on your initial injury and response to care.
You may be able to return sooner rather than later if your employer can offer a position compatible with your recovery process. This could include lifting restrictions, temporary part-time employment, and other measures designed to prevent further injury as you heal.
Depending on your injury, these restrictions may prevent you from returning to your previous position temporarily, sometimes permanently.
Attending all medical appointments, following treatment directions, and engaging in rehab as recommended contribute to your recovery and may strengthen your case for workers' comp benefits.
We also recommend you continue communicating with our office throughout your treatment and rehab so Dr. Dewanjee can promptly address any concerns.
Although dealing with a work-related injury requires careful navigation of both the medical and legal aspects of recovery, our focus is a successful treatment outcome that restores your quality of life.
Schedule an evaluation at FXRX in Phoenix or Tempe, Arizona, today by calling or requesting a visit online.