Employees often feel embarrassed after an accident at work. Coworkers may gather around you, asking questions and making you the center of attention, which can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. It's understandable that you would want to "shake it off" and go back to work, but doing so may cost you much more than your pride. Our work accident attorneys explain why seeing a doctor right after an injury offers the best possible protection for your health and future.
Always Visit Your Doctor After an Injury at Work
Even if your injury seems minor, you should make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. Early treatment is the best way to recover from your injuries as quickly as possible, and it also maximises the amount you could receive for your accident costs.
There are many reasons you should see a doctor soon after a work injury, including:
- You may not be the best judge of your condition. It could take a few days for your symptoms to manifest, but proper diagnostics can tell you exactly where and how badly you have been hurt. Your doctor provides an expert opinion on each of your injuries, not just the most pressing ones. Never downplay your symptoms or fail to report minor aches and pains, as it can delay or impede your recovery.
- You will need a fit note to take paid leave. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) may require a fit note from a doctor before benefits are paid. Whether you rely on SSP or company sick pay, a doctor's note lets your employer know how long you will be relieved of duties.
- Medical records are vital to your claim. Your x-rays, physician notes, and test results are the best way to show the extent of your injury and the likelihood of future disability. In addition, every medication, visit, and prescribed treatment should be recorded in your medical record so that you can claim reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses.
- A doctor can corroborate your official incident report. Your doctor will enter details of your accident and how the injury occurred in your medical record, which can be used to confirm the information you gave your employer in the incident report.
- Delays in treatment may be used against you. Attempts to "tough it out" will usually result in a doctor's visit after the injury has become too painful or inconvenient to ignore. Unfortunately, insurers often use delays in treatment against victims by arguing that the medical condition was caused by something other than work.
- Follow-up care shows the progression of your injury. If you have an occupational illness, your repeated doctor's visits can show a direct link between your presence at work and increased symptoms. If your injury progresses into permanent disability, your ongoing treatment records and prognosis can help you calculate your future loss of earnings and increased costs of care.
- You are less likely to re-injure yourself. A doctor can prevent you from returning to work too early, or taking on too much before you are fully healed. If you return to work little by little, you are protecting your health while preventing your employer from paying future injury claims.
We Can Help You Get All That You Are Owed for Your Injury
If you were hurt in the workplace but did not see a doctor right away, all is not lost. We can investigate all of the details in your claim (such as photos you took of the injury, witness statements, and any contact you have had with your employer or insurance company) and help you make a claim for compensation. We always begin by addressing your immediate concerns, ensuring your recovery is as stress-free as possible—and our No-Win, No-Fee Agreement means you will not owe us any fees unless we secure payment for you.
If you have suffered an injury at work, call us today or fill out our enquiry form to set up your no-obligation conversation with a member of our legal team.
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