Workers injured on the job may feel anxious about reporting this matter to their employers. In fact, they may even choose to forego medical care. Blue-collar professionals, in particular, tend to pride themselves on work ethic and attendance records. They don’t want to miss work or ask for less-demanding job functions just because they hurt their back while working on a production line.
Many people try to treat their own symptoms with over-the-counter remedies and as much rest as possible while at home. Unfortunately, a desire to work through the pain can actually have a profound negative impact on professionals hurt because of their job responsibilities.
Injuries may worsen if left untreated
A traumatic injury may require immediate medical care to prevent the body from healing improperly. If a worker ignores a fracture, for example, the bone might mend improperly. They are also at risk of worsening the initial injury by continuing to work. In extreme cases, the worsening of the injury might lead to a permanent disability that prevents them from continuing their career.
Many workers in physically-demanding professions do not sustain traumatic injuries but instead develop repetitive motion injuries. Also known as repetitive stress or repetitive strain injuries, these conditions develop due to the cumulative trauma generated by performing the same functions over and over for years.
Like serious traumatic injuries, repetitive motion disorders generally do not improve without rest and medical intervention. Workers who report their injuries and seek medical care can ask for accommodations when doctors restrict their lifting or impose other limitations on their job functions.
In some cases, they may even require a leave of absence to allow their body an opportunity to rest and heal from the strain that has damaged their bodies. The longer that workplace injuries go without treatment, the greater the risk of them causing long-term functional challenges. Additionally, delays in reporting an incident could undermine an employee’s eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
Reviewing an injury or medical diagnosis with a workers’ compensation attorney can help professionals learn more about their rights and navigate what can be a confusing system. Oftentimes, with the right support, hardworking individuals can recover from their on-the-job injuries and get back to work as soon as possible.