The importance of seeking treatment after a work-related injury

Even with strict occupational safety measures, work-related injuries and illnesses still happen. If you are hurt at work or while advancing your employer’s interests, you may be entitled to restitution for the resulting damages per California’s workers’ compensation statutes. 

But whether it is minor or catastrophic, it’s important that you take any work-related injury seriously. One of the most important steps you need to take after the incident is to seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can. Here is why this is essential:

You need to get back on your feet

First and foremost, you should seek treatment immediately following your work-related injury to protect your health. Not all injuries are symptomatic immediately, especially internal injuries. Unfortunately, these hidden injuries can also be devastating if left undiagnosed and treated. 

Seeking assistance ensures that your injuries are diagnosed and treated in time so you can get back on your feet. Failing to do so, on the other hand, can result in complications and an avoidable medical emergency. 

You need to have your injuries documented

Workers’ comp is a legal process. To receive the compensation you deserve, you must prove that your injury or illness is actually work-related. And this is where your doctor’s report comes in. 

Seeking treatment ensures that your injuries are properly documented and linked to the workplace incident that caused them. Without clear evidence, both your employer and the insurance company might successfully argue that your injuries were not work-related after all. Consequently, you might end up having to face the financial burden associated with your injuries on your own. 

Protecting your interests

Every employee deserves a safe workplace. If you are hurt at work, however, you deserve compensation. And this begins by understanding how California workers’ compensation laws work.