Every year, about 3 million workers are injured while on the job, and of those injuries, falls are the third most common cause. Workplace injuries can be nerve-racking, but knowing what steps to take if you fall at work can help a lot.
At Easy Reach Chiropractic, Barbara Adonis, DC, and Heather Previll, PT, DPT, in Lake Worth and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, help patients recover following fall injuries at work, providing the necessary documentation you need to successfully file your worker’s compensation claim. In this post, learn what to do if you have a fall injury at your workplace.
When most people think of getting injured from a fall, they immediately think of falls from heights. Though those falls can indeed cause significant injuries, you can have an injury even from a “low” height, especially if you land awkwardly.
Fortunately, worker’s compensation and disability are programs created specifically to help employees get the medical care and financial support they need to heal and recover. If you fall at your job, follow these steps to ensure your claims move forward without a hitch.
Before doing anything else, seek emergency medical care for serious injuries. Call 9-1-1, or head to your nearest emergency room or urgent care center and call our office to set up an appointment as soon as possible.
Though you might feel nervous about seeking care for an injury at work, getting prompt care is important for making sure your claims process advances the way it needs to without delays. Even if you don’t think you need emergency care now, remember that symptoms can take some time to show up, so you should still be medically evaluated after your fall.
You’ll also want to report your injury as soon as possible. Delaying that initial report can make your accident appear less serious, which, in turn, could affect your claim.
Many employers submit claims on your behalf to get the process started but don’t assume that’s the case. Ask your employer about the process at your workplace, and make sure to keep your communication in writing.
The state also has specific requirements for prompt reporting, and if you take too long to file your claim, it might be rejected right away. In Florida specifically, you need to file your initial claim within 30 days of the accident.
Speaking of keeping everything in writing, make sure to keep records of all your medical appointments, treatments, medications, and any other costs, including any time missed from work. Keep copies of all letters, bills, receipts, and emails, and if you speak to someone by phone, follow up with an email immediately verifying everything that was discussed.
As soon as possible after your injury, write down everything you can remember about the accident, including the time, location, and what you were doing. Make note of the weather and environmental conditions if the fall occurred outdoors.
Use your phone to take photos of the area, including any obstacles that contributed to your fall, like a spill or damaged equipment. Gather statements from other employees or witnesses. Detailed notes are important for filing your claim, and they’re also good to have on hand when you visit your doctor.
In addition to that 30-day filing deadline, worker’s compensation and disability claims have other deadlines you’ll need to follow. Review any paperwork you receive and make a note of dates when reports or other documentation are due.
Set a reminder on your phone, so you don’t miss a date. Even a single missed deadline could cause your claim to be denied.
Make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions, and if you have any questions, call the office to ask. Skipping steps in your care routine can delay your recovery and also interfere with your claims process — potentially even causing your claim to be denied.
Our doctors are skilled in providing injury care tailored to your needs. Depending on your needs, we may recommend any of the following:
We also tailor treatment plans to each patient’s workplace duties and lifestyle routines to help you get back to your regular activities as soon as possible.
If you’ve been injured at your workplace, we can help you get the care you need to file your claims and recover from your accident. To learn more, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Easy Reach Chiropractic today.
