A workplace injury can happen suddenly, whether you slip and fall, hurt your back while lifting, develop pain from repetitive work, or are injured while performing your regular job duties. In the moments afterward, it can be difficult to know what to do first—especially when you’re worried about your health, your job, and a Workers’ Compensation claim. Taking the right steps early can help protect your health and make sure your injury is properly reported and documented.
Get Emergency Care When Necessary
Your health comes first. If the injury is severe or you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Serious bleeding, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, suspected fractures, severe head injuries, or sudden neurological symptoms should receive immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
Notify your employer or supervisor as soon as possible after a work-related injury, even if the symptoms initially seem manageable. Florida generally requires employees to report workplace injuries within 30 days, but reporting the injury promptly can help avoid unnecessary problems or delays with the claim.
Be clear about what happened, when and where it occurred, and which areas of your body were affected. If symptoms change after the initial report, make sure those changes are communicated appropriately.
Document What Happened
Write down the details of the accident while they are still fresh in your memory. Include what you were doing, how the injury occurred, where it happened, and any conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
When appropriate, photographs of the accident area and visible injuries can also help create a record. Keep copies of relevant paperwork, medical records, correspondence, and other information related to the injury and Workers’ Compensation claim.
Get the Appropriate Medical Evaluation
Some workplace injuries are obvious immediately, while others become more noticeable over the following hours or days. Back and neck injuries, strains and sprains, joint injuries, and repetitive-use problems can affect your ability to lift, bend, walk, sit, stand, or safely perform your job.
Workers’ Compensation cases may have specific requirements regarding authorized medical providers and treatment, so follow the instructions provided by your employer, insurance carrier, or claims representative.
Once appropriate care has been authorized, a thorough evaluation can help identify your functional limitations and determine what treatment or rehabilitation may be appropriate.
Follow Your Treatment and Rehabilitation Plan
Recovery from a work injury isn’t only about reducing pain. For many employees, the goal is also to safely regain the strength, mobility, endurance, and physical abilities required for their job.
Depending on the injury and authorization, treatment may include chiropractic care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and progressive functional activities. Some injured workers with physically demanding occupations may eventually require more advanced work-related rehabilitation to prepare for a safe return to their regular duties.
At Easy Reach Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, we work with injured employees at our Lake Worth and Fort Lauderdale locations and provide individualized care based on the injury, functional limitations, job demands, and authorized treatment.