How Soon Should I See a Doctor After I am Injured at Work?
When on-the-job injuries happen, see a medical provider immediately to protect your health and your rights to compensation.
On-the-job accidents happen to people in any type of occupation. Even a seemingly minor incident at work can result in potentially serious injuries. When this happens, it is important to see your doctor or other medical provider immediately. Failure to do so could jeopardize your health and your rights in a workers’ compensation claim.
Seek Treatment for On-the-Job Injuries
Workers in any occupation can end up suffering potentially serious injuries on the job. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), close to five million people suffer work related injuries each year, which averages to roughly one every seven seconds. Depending on the circumstances and the severity of the injuries, it is not uncommon for workers to neglect seeking medical care. Unfortunately, in addition to impacting your rights to workers’ compensation in Omaha, this could also put your health in danger.
Many potentially serious health conditions have symptoms that can take days or even weeks to fully appear. Not getting medical care immediately could lead to lasting complications and may even put your life in danger. Situations in which you should see a doctor right away, regardless of the severity or symptoms you suffer, include:
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Bumps, blows, or jolts to the head, which can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
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Cuts and burns, which can be subject to infection;
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Exposure to hazardous substances, which can lead to life threatening illnesses;
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Getting caught in or between objects, which can result in internal bleeding and damage to body organs;
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Overuse injuries, such as pulled muscles or tendons, which can cause permanent impairments if not promptly treated.
Protect Your Rights to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
In addition to putting your health and safety at risk, not seeing a doctor for a work related injury can impact your rights to benefits through the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation program. These benefits can help offset lost wages and medical expenses during your recovery. To protect your rights in a claim, follow these steps when on the job injuries happen:
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Report your injury immediately to your supervisor, so that an accident report can be filed;
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Request medical attention right away;
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Inform your doctor that your injuries are work related;
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Let them know all symptoms you suffer, even if they seem minor;
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Undergo all diagnostic testing or treatments that are recommended;
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Attend all follow up visits;
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Follow the doctor’s recommendations when it comes to work and activity restrictions.
Be aware that not reporting your injuries, not seeing a doctor, and returning to work before you are medically cleared to do so are all common reasons for denial of workers’ compensation claims in Nebraska.
Get Guidance from Our Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At Andres Law Offices, PC LLO, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need when on the-job-accidents and injuries occur. To discuss the benefits you may be entitled to, contact our Nebraska workers’ compensation attorney and request a consultation today.