Communication Is Key
People often ask me what is the best advice I would give an injured worker? Now there is a lot I would suggest doing, but one of the main things would be to communicate.
Communication is key, especially when you get hurt on the job. One of the first things you should do is communicate your injury to your employer. After that, you should also have good communication with your physician or treating doctor, your attorney if you choose to acquire one, and your employer once again throughout your process of filing and receiving your Workers’ Compensation.
Employee-Employer Communication
As I mentioned before, the first thing you should do if you get injured on the job or get a work-related illness is advise your employer. This will make the process of acquiring your Workers’ Compensation easier because your employer will already have a report of your injury. Throughout the process of filing your claim and receiving your benefits, communication between you and your employer will be necessary, weather that is to keep your employer updated on your case, or acquiring documents from them or their insurance.
Patient-Doctor Communication
Patient, doctor communication is also vital. In some cases it may even affect the benefits you receive in the end. During your visit, you should tell your physician it is a work-related injury or illness. It is important you communicate all your aches and pains to your treating doctor, even if they seem insignificant and unrelated. The worst thing you can do is omit something from your physician, that which can later go untreated, or treated later with money from your own pocket and not from the compensation you were entitled to.
Most of the time, injured workers struggle with this in particular, and that can be because of many reasons. They may not feel comfortable with their treating doctor. They may not trust their treating doctor. They may thinks some aches and pains are unrelated. Or they simply want to get the doctor appointment over with quickly, so they do not share everything with the physician. If you are struggling with any of the first two, I should have you know that you can choose your own treating doctor, and if you struggle to choose one, contact us and we will advise you. If you are struggling with the latter two, I insist you do as best you can to report all your aches and pains in order to ensure you get the treatment and compensation you need. Often times, medical records are used to classify and determine the benefits that are awarded, so make sure you are effectively communicating with your treating doctor.
Client-Attorney Communication
If you choose to contact an attorney for advice or to help throughout the process of filing for and acquiring Workers’ Compensation, it is important you communicate all the facts of your case to them. Sometimes, one fact or detail can help your case, and help get you the benefits you deserve.
Bottom Line
Communication Is Key. Tell your employer about the injury or illness. Tell your treating doctor all the symptoms and pains. Tell your attorney all the facts of your case. And if you have any questions or concerns communicate as well. Feel free to contact us for any questions you need answered or any concern you may have. We are here to help you.