When someone is injured on the job, all too often, the focus is on the most severe parts of the body hurt, while the minor aches and pains from other parts of the body are ignored. However, in a workers’ comp claim, it’s extremely important to report every ache, bruise, or swollen body part no matter how minor it may seem. Here’s why…
The human body is interconnected. When you fall, you might land on your knee, but your hands could have eased the impact, which can cause shoulder and arm pain down the line.
Or, if you injure your back, the nerve pain and/ or damage can cause problems in your legs. It might be a day or two before you feel any symptoms in those other areas, but these areas can get worse over time and require additional medical treatment.
It’s important in a workers’ compensation claim to document every part of the body that was affected by the accident no matter how small it might seem. It’s more difficult to try and convince an insurance company that another body part was also injured in the same accident if it wasn’t documented within a few days of the accident.
What’s In The Injury Report Matters
This rule is important to remember when filling out your workers’ compensation claim form, accident report at work, and any forms you’re given at the medical office you visit after the accident. All too often, I read emergency room reports where an injured body part is left out.
Hospitals are busy places and not everything is documented with 100% accuracy, but employers may use this to discredit your injuries. So, make sure to tell the medical professional you are dealing with every ache and pain you’re feeling.
Contact Us With Questions
If you have any questions about a new pain or problem that developed after your injury it’s always best to contact an attorney. We have years of experience and know the right questions to ask to ensure that you receive the full coverage, you are entitled to for your injuries. Call Tom Marchese today.
