I Got Hurt on the Job: What Should I Do?

Getting injured at work is distressing, frustrating, and overwhelming. Injuries often happen in the blink of an eye — and it’s not always easy to know what to do next. 

Our team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in North Miami Beach, Florida, can help. We specialize in diagnosing and treating work-related injuries, and here's a guide to help you navigate this challenging situation.

1. Prioritize immediate medical attention

No matter the situation, your health is paramount. If your injury is severe, call 911 or have someone assist you in seeking emergency medical care.

For less critical injuries, go to an urgent care facility promptly. Even if your injury seems minor, it’s essential to get a professional evaluation as soon as possible. Our team has the expertise and equipment to diagnose your injury and guide you through the healing process.

Remember that many musculoskeletal injuries don’t have obvious symptoms right away, but they can worsen over time. Prioritizing your health by seeking prompt medical attention ensures you get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible, which minimizes your risk of complications and helps you heal faster.

2. Report the incident to your employer

Notify your supervisor or manager about your injury as soon as possible. Provide a detailed account of how, when, and where the incident occurred. Timely reporting is a legal requirement to facilitate the workers’ compensation claim process, and it allows your employer to take necessary actions to prevent future incidents.

As you recover, keep open lines of communication with your employer. Inform them of your progress, work restrictions, and anticipated return-to-work date. Many employers offer return-to-work programs that provide modified duties to accommodate your recovery, facilitating a smoother transition back to your role.

3. Understand your workers' compensation rights

Workers' compensation laws are designed to provide benefits to employees injured on the job, and they can help cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. Familiarize yourself with your state's specific regulations and consider working with a lawyer to make sure you follow the necessary procedures to file your claim.

Maintain detailed records related to your injury, including medical reports, witness statements, photographs of the injury and accident scene, and any correspondence with your employer or insurance providers. Comprehensive documentation helps support your workers' compensation claim and protects your rights in case of disputes.

4. Seek specialized care for work-related injuries

For a smoother recovery process, consider seeing health care providers who specialize in occupational injuries. We offer comprehensive services for work-related injuries, including accurate diagnosis, experienced onsite orthopedic clinicians, and conservative treatment options.

Our goal is to provide personalized care aimed at restoring function and facilitating a prompt return to work, no matter your injury or occupation.

5. Follow through with medical treatment and rehabilitation

After your initial diagnosis, we work with you to develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan. Depending on your injury, treatment can include medications, physical therapy, injections, and other interventions designed to facilitate your recovery.

It’s essential to attend all your medical appointments and follow through with treatment. Not only does sticking to your rehabilitation plan promote healing, but it also provides documented evidence of your commitment to recovery, which is important for your workers' compensation claim.

No one wants to suffer a workplace injury — but if it happens to you, knowing what to do next can protect your health and rights. Let our team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care help you navigate the path to recovery with confidence. Call our office to schedule an appointment or check in online to get started. You can also just walk in.