Ideally, a workplace facility where heavy objects must be transported should have preventive measures in place to keep workers from being injured. However, should these measures fail, any Missouri worker that suffers a lifting injury on the job should take crucial steps during those immediate minutes and hours after the injury has occurred to prevent further harm and to receive proper compensation.
If the lifting injury does not appear on the surface to be serious, some workplaces will encourage the worker to walk the injury off. However, an article on the Creative Safety Supply website calls this a bad move. Even if an injury does not result in bleeding or outward bruising, there could be serious harm done to your muscles, nerves or even an organ. Far more serious symptoms can manifest later on, even ones that threaten your life. You can also further harm yourself if you try to resume your normal activities without seeking treatment.
In the event a worker does get injured, the worker should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some lifting injuries, if not treated soon after the injury, can cause the worker lifelong problems. X-rays and other tests may reveal possible internal harm, like muscle and nerve damage. With this checkup, a doctor can properly advise a worker on future treatment and what activities to abstain from in coming days.
A timely examination will also provide a worker with the proper medical information that can be relayed to the worker’s insurer. The sooner this information is sent to an insurer, the sooner the worker’s compensation claim can be filed and medical bills can be paid. Providing accurate medical information can additionally bolster the worker’s case if the insurer resists paying the worker’s medical bills.
This article is intended to inform readers on dealing with workplace injuries and is not to be taken as legal advice.