When you are hurt on the job, your first priority should be getting medical attention. Then you should create a plan to address your needs until you return to work.
Injured workers have many rights under New York law. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help you protect these rights.
See Your Doctor
If you’ve been injured at work, getting medical treatment right away is essential for both your health and your workers comp claim. Not only does it ensure that your injuries are treated but it also creates documentation that can help you avoid any disputes with your employer or the insurance company about whether your injury is related to your job.
You’ll likely need to see a physical therapist, occupational therapist or physician who specializes in work-related injuries. You might also see a podiatrist or psychologist, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Some states allow you to choose which doctor will treat you, while others allow your employer or the workers comp insurer to pick your work injury doctor near me. In New York, however, you’re largely in control of which doctors you see. Your treating doctor will document your injuries and identify any work restrictions you may have, which could affect your schedule loss of use (SLU) benefits if you’re eligible for them.
Stay Active
Many workers experience a host of difficulties when injured at work. They may feel pressure from their employer to return, guilt over missing out on income, and concerns about the medical bills piling up.
One of the best ways to manage this stress is by staying active. Experts recommend starting with light cardiovascular exercise like walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bike. A physical therapist can also help guide you through the appropriate exercise to take while recovering.
Once your doctor has cleared you to return to work, you must communicate with your employer. This is because refusing to go back to work can affect your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Moreover, an employer should not force you to return before you are able to perform your job safely. This could lead to re-injury and further complications. A knowledgeable workers comp attorney can help you navigate this process smoothly.
Talk to Your Employer
It’s important to keep in touch with your employer about your progress and what your doctor is telling you regarding the return to work process. Generally, an employer who wants to return you back to full duties will be willing to do so as long as the medically approved restrictions are followed.
Many employers will also offer light-duty jobs to injured workers if that’s what the physician recommends as it can help maintain the employee’s salary and speed recovery, while keeping claim costs down for the employer. If your employer refuses to accommodate your doctors’ restrictions, or if a supervisor or manager continues to ask you to perform tasks outside of your doctor’s restrictions and you reinjure yourself, contact your workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
Being injured at work can be scary and stressful, especially when you’re on workers’ comp while healing. However, with the right guidance, you can get through this difficult time and return to a normal life without too much stress or pain.
