Work-related injuries are any events that cause injury while someone is performing their job on work premises. Work-related accidents can occur at a regular work location or may occur in public. For example, if an employee who delivers packages is in a motor vehicle accident while they’re on their route, that could be considered a work-related accident.
In 2019, 5,333 workers in the United States died from fatal work-related accidents. Millions more became ill or suffered injuries while working. If you’re injured at work, you must understand your condition and the potential long-term impact of your accident to ensure you take the correct steps to protect your rights.
Your primary care physician (PCP) is an important ally.
You may need to go to the emergency room for treatment if you’re in a severe accident, but ultimately, your primary care doctor will play a crucial role in your post-injury health care. You can’t overestimate the value of primary care. Your primary care provider is familiar with your baseline, which is your typical condition. Your PCP may know that your temperature is usually warmer than average and not be concerned. A clinician who isn’t familiar with your baseline may order unnecessary tests.
Your primary care doctor can perform a comprehensive medical evaluation, order medical tests, and prescribe medicine to treat your condition. Your primary care clinician can also give you a referral to a specialist if required. Your physician will ensure you receive excellent quality of care while keeping health care costs low because there’s a lower cost for being treated by your primary care provider than for treatment in an emergency room.
If you go to a healthcare clinic, you may not know which clinician will treat you or be able to make an appointment. Consequently, you could spend a lot of time waiting for medical care, whereas individuals with a primary care doctor will receive continuity of care and be able to schedule appointments. Your doctor is your advocate and is in the best position possible to provide you with the medical care you require. A family physician’s office can also provide information about applying for Medicare or other health plans that charge lower costs.
You can protect your legal rights by hiring a personal injury attorney.
Hire a personal injury attorney experienced with workplace injury claims. These legal experts are familiar with applicable regulations and case law that could help you win a lawsuit against your employer. Your attorney will fight to ensure your health care costs are paid for and will pursue a financial payment to compensate for pain and suffering, retraining, or other relevant costs stemming from your injury.
The legal experts with WIN Injury Network offer a free consultation, which means you can get legal advice before you decide to hire an attorney. WIN Injury Network also offers medical services, ensuring their clients receive appropriate medical care after a work-related accident. Your legal team will fight for you to receive all appropriate medical tests to ensure you have a comprehensive diagnosis. Your legal team will also prepare your case, allowing you to focus on your health.
Workplace injuries can have a long-term impact on your life.
Many workplace injuries cause permanent disabilities. You may need long-term medical care after your accident. You may not be able to return to work, which means you may need to train for a new profession or apply for disability benefits. You may also have specific needs stemming from your injury. For example, if you need to use an assistive device, such as a wheelchair, you may need to move to a wheelchair-accessible home. Some injuries may require extensive treatment from a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist. Your health plan may not cover these health care costs, and you may need to hire an attorney to ensure you’re compensated for all required medical costs.
Workplace accidents can cause anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may need to turn to the health system for counseling and may require long-term therapy to address your workplace accident’s psychological impact.
Your PCP can provide comprehensive treatment and ensure you see all the medical specialists required. Since you’re their patient, and they don’t work for your employer, their primary objective is to ensure you receive the medical care you need. Your attorney will fight to ensure you receive compensation for all your medical costs. Understanding your injuries’ potential long-term implications ensures you’ll take the best steps to protect yourself and your rights.
