9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Workplace Accident

Every year, millions of people across the globe suffer workplace accidents. These may be minor injuries that you can easily treat by first aid at work. But they could also be injuries that result in permanent disabilities or fatalities.
This list is by no means exhaustive.
But here are 9 questions you should be asking your doctor after a workplace accident:

1. What Are the Possible Treatments for My Injury?

Your doctor will have an idea of what treatment they think would work best for your particular injury. However, it’s helpful to ask them if any other treatment option is available for your injury. For example, your doctor may tell you that surgery is the only option for your injury. However, you might be able to avoid this by using physical therapy or biomechanical correction.

2. What Am I Allowed to Do at Work Today and What Should I Avoid Doing?

Doctors advise injured workers to avoid heavy lifting and straining because it can exacerbate injuries. But there might also be other activities that workers should stop for some time after an accident at work.
Workers should find out what these are from their doctor or medical team.

3. Am I Eligible for Worker’s Compensation Benefits?

There are four main eligibility criteria for workers’ compensation benefits. You must:

• Be an employee
• Work for an employer carrying workers’ comp insurance
• Suffer from a workplace-related illness or injury
• File a workers’ compensation claim and report your injury within your state’s deadline

4. How Long Will the Pain Last After a Workplace Accident?

Workers experiencing chronic or recurring pain after an on-the-job injury might seek legal counsel. They need to know how long their injury-related pain will last; and how long they will be out of work. Doctors will give a rough estimation of the length of time that pain will last after an accident. This helps the employee make a reasonable and relevant workers’ compensation claim.

5. What Do I Need to Do After My Workplace Accident?

Workers’ compensation benefits can help replace wages during time off work after an accident. But, depending on the circumstances of the injury, workers might also be entitled to additional benefits.
For instance, workers might be eligible for longer-term benefits if they had more than one workplace accident in a year. A Glendale workers’ compensation attorney can help employees understand their rights and advocate for what they deserve after a workplace accident.

6. How Long Will It Be Until I’m Able to Return to Work?

Workers’ compensation laws vary depending on location. But most states provide support for employees who need extended time away from work because of their injuries. Workers returning sooner than the suggested duration might need to file a claim with their employer for partial wages.

7. How Do I Protect Myself from Further on-the-Job Injuries?

It’s always best for workers and employers alike to prevent workplace accidents before they happen. Workers can ask their doctor for suggestions and take steps to reduce their risk of injury on the job. Employers should also prioritize safety in the workplace.

8. Will Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover My Medical Care Costs?

Workers’ compensation insurance covers the cost of medical care and wage replacement for employees injured on the job. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that workers’ comp will cover all costs. Workers might need to seek legal guidance about which expenses might not be covered by worker’s compensation benefits.

9. What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Comp Benefits and Private Insurance Benefits?

Most employers provide workers’ compensation as part of their employment package where employees hurt receive workers’ comp benefits. Workers’ comp also covers the employees’ missed wages, and funeral benefits to the family if they pass away after the workplace injury.
Private insurance, however, is applicable only for non-work-related injuries and illnesses and doesn’t offer the additional lost wages and funeral benefits.
Your workers’ compensation lawyer in Glendale will advise you about any additional questions to ask your doctor after the workplace injury.