Workplace injuries happen more frequently than many people realize. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023. If you’ve suffered an injury at work, consulting the right professionals can aid in your recovery and help you get compensation for what happened. This guide will help you understand the appropriate professionals to consult when injured on the job.
Understanding Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, though some sectors report higher incident rates than others. The BLS report shows that health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors accounted for the highest numbers of workplace injuries in 2023. Construction, transportation, and warehousing also showed substantial workplace injury statistics.
An injury at work isn’t just a physical setback. It can affect your finances, mental health, and family life. Understanding the nature of your injury and the appropriate steps to take afterward can help minimize these impacts.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries come in many forms, depending on your occupation and work environment. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Slip and fall accidents – Can occur in virtually any workplace and may cause fractures, sprains, or head injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries – Resulting from performing the same motion repeatedly, affecting muscles, nerves, and tendons
- Contact injuries – Occurring when workers get struck by moving objects or caught between collapsing structures
- Back and neck injuries – Often caused by improper lifting techniques or falls
- Burns and chemical exposure – Common in manufacturing and industrial settings
- Vehicle accidents – Frequent among delivery drivers, truckers, and field workers
How Workplace Hazards Can Affect Health
Workplace injuries can have both immediate and long-term health consequences. For example, a seemingly minor back strain could develop into a chronic condition that affects your ability to work for years. Some workplace injuries may not be immediately apparent, especially those related to repetitive motion or exposure to harmful substances over time.
According to the BLS data, days away from work (DAFW) cases represented 62 percent of cases involving days away from work, job restrictions, or transfer in 2023. This highlights how workplace injuries can significantly disrupt your life and livelihood.
Who to Consult for Medical Advice and Care
Seeking medical attention should be your immediate priority after suffering a workplace injury. Here is what you need to know about who to see.
Visiting a General Practitioner vs. Specialist
After a workplace injury, your first medical consultation will likely be with a general practitioner who can assess your condition and refer you to specialists if needed. However, depending on your injury, you might need to consult with specialists such as:
- Neurologist – For brain and nervous system injuries, especially after head trauma or for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or numbness
- Orthopedist – For bone injuries, including fractures, sprains, and issues affecting mobility
- Chiropractor – For spine and neck injuries, particularly after falls or when experiencing misalignment
- Physical therapist – For rehabilitation after most types of injuries to restore mobility and strength
In North Carolina, you have the right to choose your own healthcare provider when receiving workers’ compensation benefits, provided your doctor has been authorized by the Industrial Commission.
Importance of Following a Doctor’s Recommendations
Following your doctor’s treatment plan is crucial not just for your recovery but also for your workers’ compensation claim. Failing to adhere to medical advice can give insurers grounds to dispute your claim or argue that your continued symptoms result from non-compliance rather than workplace injury.
Document all medical visits, keep records of prescriptions and maintain a journal of your recovery progress. These records will be valuable if disputes arise regarding your claim.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Doctors
In workers’ compensation cases, you may need to see a doctor selected by your employer or their insurance company. These evaluations can determine the extent of your injury and your eligibility for benefits.
If you disagree with the assessment of a workers’ compensation doctor, you can request a second opinion. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you exercise this right so that you can receive a fair evaluation.
Consulting Legal Professionals
While you technically do not need legal representation after a workplace accident, a skilled attorney on your side can more effectively seek the compensation you may be owed.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Consider talking to a workers’ compensation attorney if:
- Your claim has been denied
- You’re not receiving appropriate medical treatment
- Your ability to work has been permanently affected
- Your employer disputes that the injury happened at work
- You face retaliation for filing a claim
- A third party (someone who does not work for your place of employment) is responsible for your injury
- Your settlement offer doesn’t cover all your expenses
Navigating Claims and Appeals with Legal Help
The workers’ compensation process involves deadlines, paperwork, and specific procedures that must be followed. Missing a deadline or filing incorrect information can jeopardize your claim. A workers’ compensation attorney can:
- File all paperwork correctly and on time
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Represent you at hearings
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair settlements
- Handle appeals if your claim is denied
Avoiding Common Legal Pitfalls
Many injured workers unknowingly damage their claims by:
- Delaying reporting the injury to their employer
- Providing inconsistent accounts of how the injury occurred
- Missing medical appointments
- Posting information about their activities on social media that can be interpreted as contradicting their injury claims
- Accepting settlements without understanding their long-term needs
A qualified attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls and protect your rights throughout the process.
Get Professional Help After a Workplace Injury
Workplace injuries can be life-changing. As such, they require professional guidance to help you to recover both medically and financially. Consulting with the right medical specialists ensures you receive appropriate treatment, and working with experienced legal professionals helps protect your rights and financial future.
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we take personal injury and workers’ comp cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we win. Our team combines legal acumen with medical knowledge to give you the comprehensive support you deserve.
If you’ve been injured on the job, protect yourself and your future by contacting us for a free and confidential consultation. Let our experienced team help you get the care and compensation you deserve.
