DC Workers’ Comp Needs Doctor Visit
Understanding the Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Attention for a Workers Comp Case
When you experience a work-related injury, it’s critical to see a doctor to ensure you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. We understand that visiting a doctor may not be everyone’s preferred course of action. This is especially true if the injury is relatively minor and you can still manage to work.
The Consequences of Avoiding Medical Attention
However, we often meet people who suffer serious work injuries and still avoid getting medical help. Some even go to the hospital right after the accident, get told to take time off, follow up with a doctor, start physical therapy, or consider surgery, but never do it. Skipping this kind of follow up and aftercare can hurt both your health and your workers comp case.
Challenges in the Emergency Room
Here’s why this avoidance can pose significant problems. ER rooms tend to be chaotic, with their primary focus on determining whether you need to stay in the hospital or if you can go home. While they may perform X-rays, these tests often don’t reveal certain injuries, such as herniated discs or torn ligaments. Additionally, you won’t receive extensive treatment there. Just some short-term pain meds and perhaps a note stating that you can’t work for a couple of days.
If you’ve already been to the ER for a work injury and told your employer or filled a report, that’s a positive step. However, it’s best to hold off on speaking with the workers’ compensation representative or providing a statement just yet. It’s usually too early for that, and they might try to deny or delay your valid workers’ compensation claim.
Seeking Early Medical Evaluation
You need a doctor to confirm that you cannot work. Even if you think the pain will go away soon, it is important to get checked right away. Seeing a doctor early helps you understand the real injury and protects you if it turns out to be more serious than you thought.
Get the Answers You Need with a Free Consultation
If you have any questions about your work-related injury, workers’ comp benefits, or need guidance on how to navigate the process, reach out to Attorney Frank Kearney. He’s available for a free consultation to address any concerns or queries you may have or give him a phone call at 202-393-3320. His extensive experience in workers’ compensation matters allows him to provide the guidance you need during this challenging time.