Some workers, after sustaining a job-related injury, do not go to the doctor right away. In fact, they might wait for weeks to get medical attention. Unfortunately, waiting to get treatment for an injury does not make it go away faster. It can even make the pain and limitation last longer.
Putting off medical treatment makes the disability last longer
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine looked at workers’ compensation claims based on lower back injuries. The study focused on how long workers with back injuries waited to take action, including how many days passed between their injury and when they sought medical attention. Researchers found that the longer injured workers waited to see their doctors about their back injuries, the longer their disabilities lasted.
Thus, from a purely medical standpoint, it is smart to seek medical care as soon as possible after you get hurt at work. Trying to tough it out is unlikely to help you as much as your doctor can.
Worried about losing their job
Anxiety is one reason why many injured workers in Central Florida wait to go to the doctor’s office or hospital. They may be worried if they report a work injury and get medical help as part of a workers’ compensation filing, they will get fired. Or at least their employer will punish them for pursuing their rights to workers’ comp. This is known as retaliation, which is against the law in Florida. If your employer retaliates against you for getting medical care for your work injury, you can sue the company for lost wages, medical bills and other damages.
Fear of workplace retaliation is understandable, but it should not stop you from getting treatment for your injuries. It should not stop you from finding out about your legal options for compensation.
Seeking prompt medical care not only supports your recovery but also helps protect your workers’ compensation claim. If you’re concerned about retaliation or unsure of your rights, the attorneys at Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. can guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at (863) 688-7766 for a free consultation and get the support you deserve after a workplace injury.
