Workplace injuries can be a major disruption to your life and livelihood, and the road to recovery can be long and difficult. However, with the right approach, you can make sure that you get on the road to recovery sooner, and possibly in even better form.
Examples of work-related injuries are broken bones, burns, cuts, lacerations, pulled muscles, overuse, overexertion, strains, and sprains, all of which can hinder your ability to perform your job properly. So, what should an injured worker do?
In this article, we will discuss what you can do if you have a workplace injury.
#1 Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injury seems minor, it’s still important to have it checked out by a medical provider in order to ensure there are no underlying issues or complications. New York law makes it mandatory for businesses with part-time or full-time employees to provide them with workers’ compensation coverage. There should be no waiting period for coverage to start. However, you still need to file paperwork in the situation that you are injured, so your employer can file a workers’ compensation claim.
#2 Follow Doctor’s Orders
Once you’ve seen a doctor (who understands workers’ compensation laws in New York) about your workplace injury, follow their instructions carefully regarding treatment and rehabilitation exercises or activities that will help speed up your recovery. Make sure to keep your employer informed about any limitations in work activities that you doctor recommends while you heal.
#3 Communicate With Your Employer
It’s essential that you communicate with your employer throughout the process, so they are updated, and this includes letting them know when the injury occurred, how it occurred, and that you got medical treatment. You should also be clear on your leave agreement and when you will be able to return to work following full recovery from your injury. If you are unsure, a doctor well-versed in workers’ comp cases can guide you through the process.
#4 Take The Time To Heal
Don’t rush back into things too soon. You will likely need to makea fully recovery from your injury and have reached your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) level, which is determined by your workers’ comp medical provider. Sometimes, doctors allow workers to return even before being fully recovered as long as they follow restrictions, depending on the worker’s job responsibilities.
Urgent Care Treatment for Workplace Injuries in Rochester, NY
The highly experienced urgent care and emergency medicine providers at Cornerstone Urgent Care are authorized to treat workers with on-the-job injuries. We regularly see injured workers and provide support throughout their recovery, helping them return to work in good shape. We strive to make everything as clear and comfortable as possible for you.
For any questions, you may call us at (585) 207-0088. If you are injured, you can go directly to our office at 2968 Chili Avenue. We are a walk-in clinic, so there is no need to make an appointment ahead of time.
