Whether you work at a construction site, a hospital, or a restaurant, workplace injuries can occur anywhere and at any time. However, if there are known hazards in the workplace, there is a greater risk of injuries. While a workplace accident can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe, the costs associated with your injury can be financially devastating, particularly if you are unable to work and collect a salary.
Fortunately, if your injury occurred while you were on the job, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In order to recover the maximum benefits, there are a number of steps you must take following the accident to ensure that your legal and financial rights are protected. An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer will assist you with every step of the claims process and pursue the maximum benefits you deserve.
What Are Examples of Common Workplace Injuries?
A “workplace injury” is any harm or damage suffered by an employee while they are performing their job duties. While these can range from minor to severe, the following are examples of common workplace injuries:
- Slip and fall injuries: These are caused by wet or slippery floors or walkways, uneven or damaged flooring, poor lighting, obstacles or debris on the floor, and any other unsafe conditions that can increase the risk of a slip and fall accident.
- Overexertion injuries: These occur when workers strain their muscles, joints, ligaments, or tendons through repetitive motions or lifting heavy objects.
- Repetitive stress injuries: These injuries result from performing the same motion over time, which can lead to muscle, nerve, and tendon damage. Examples of repetitive stress injuries include:- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is caused by repetitive hand and wrist motions, which may lead to numbness, tingling, and pain.
- Tendinitis: When the tendons and tissue connecting muscles to bones become inflamed from overuse, this can cause pain and discomfort around the affected joint.
- Bursitis: This is an inflammation of the “bursae,” which are small, fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles in the joints. Oftentimes, bursitis is caused by repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on the joint. - Back injuries: The physical strain associated with lifting heavy objects can cause herniated discs, severe muscle strains, and chronic pain.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): In some cases, an employee may experience or witness a traumatic work event, including a devastating injury or a violent incident, causing them to develop PTSD.
What Steps Do I Take After a Workplace Injury?
If you suffered a workplace injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. In order for your claim to be approved, there are a number of steps you must take, including the following:
- Seek immediate medical treatment. Even if your injury does not seem severe or life-threatening, it is imperative that you have your injury assessed by a medical professional. In addition to ensuring that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, this will be beneficial to your Workers’ Compensation claim down the line.
- Report the injury. It is also important that you notify your employer in writing about the injury within 14 days of the accident. If you report the injury after 14 days, your claim may be denied.
- Confirm that your healthcare provider is approved by your employer. When requesting treatment for your injuries, make sure that the physician is covered by your employer’s insurance.
- Collect evidence. Examples of effective evidence include copies of medical records, doctors’ notes, witness statements, and accident reports.
- Contact an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer. A dedicated Workers’ Compensation lawyer will guide you through every step of the claims process, address any questions or concerns you may have, and recover the maximum damages to which you are entitled.
What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid After Suffering a Workplace Injury?
Oftentimes, knowing what mistakes to avoid can be just as helpful as knowing what steps to take after a Workers’ Compensation accident. The following are examples of things you should not do if you intend to file a Workers’ Compensation claim after suffering an injury at work:
- Do not downplay the severity of your injuries. If you make it sound like your injuries are not as serious as they actually are, you may not recover the maximum damages you are entitled to, and you could be responsible for any outstanding medical expenses and other costs associated with your injury.
- Do not go back to work too soon. You should avoid returning to work until you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). If you go back to work too soon, you could delay your progress or reinjure yourself. In addition, you will lose out on Workers’ Compensation benefits you are entitled to.
- Do not post anything on social media. It is highly recommended that you avoid posting anything on your social media platforms until your claim has been approved and you start to receive benefits. Even a seemingly harmless post can be used against you by your employer’s insurance agency. This can have a negative impact on the outcome of your claim.
What Benefits Am I Entitled to if I Am Injured at Work?
The Workers’ Compensation benefits you are entitled to will depend on a number of factors, including the type and severity of your injury, your average weekly wage, and whether you require ongoing treatment or long-term care. The following are examples of benefits you are entitled to if you suffered a workplace injury:
- All medical expenses associated with your injury.
- Temporary total disability benefits.
- Permanent partial disability benefits.
- Permanent total disability benefits.
- Death benefits.
Our Toms River Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Help Clients Navigate the Workplace Injury Claims Process
If you are injured at work, it is highly recommended that you contact our Toms River Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. at your earliest convenience. We will help you navigate every step of the claims process and ensure that you recover the maximum benefits you are entitled to, including medical benefits, lost wages, and disability benefits if you are unable to return to work. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-906-1500 or submit our online form. With office locations in Brick, Freehold, Edison, and Toms River, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.
