Suffer a Neck Injury at Work? Avoid Problems with Your Claim by Following These 4 Simple Tips

22 January 2018
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If you've injured your neck at work, you'll need to take immediate action. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize your health, or your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. Most on-the-job injuries are covered by worker's compensation insurance, which will provide you with your medical care. It will also provide you with cash payments while you're unable to work. However, in order to get those benefits, you need to take the right steps. Here are some tips that will help you avoid problems once you suffer neck injuries while at work.

Report the Injury Immediately

As soon as you realize that you injured your neck, you need to report the incident. Don't wait to see if the symptoms get worse. You don't want your employer, or the insurance company, to try and claim that your injuries were sustained elsewhere, which they may do if you wait too long to report the incident. Instead, go to your employer as soon as the incident occurs and file a report. If the symptoms go away, you're not out anything. However, if the symptoms get worse, you're already protected.

Be Forthright About Previous Injuries

When it comes to neck and back injuries, it's not uncommon for employers and insurance companies to lay blame on previous injuries. If you've suffered neck and back injuries in the past, be forthright about the information. Let your doctor know about those injuries, including when they occurred, who treated the injuries, and how they occurred. If possible, obtain medical records for those previous injuries. Being honest about those previous injuries will help you avoid complications with your current claim.

Don't Miss Your Physical Therapy Appointments

When you're dealing with a workers compensation claim, you want to follow doctors orders throughout the process. That includes being an active participant in your treatment plan. If your doctor has prescribed physical therapy or chiropractic care, be sure to attend every appointment. If you need to go to court for your workers compensation claim, you'll want to be able to show that you've taken your medical care seriously.

Agree to Modified Work Schedules

At some point in time, the insurance company will want to sign off on the claim so that they can close off the case. To do that, your injuries will need to be stabilized. Once your injuries are stabilized, the insurance company, and your employer, may want you to return to work on a modified schedule. If possible, go ahead and attempt the modified schedule. That way, you can show that you're not trying to get out of work. If returning to work causing increased pain, report to your doctor as soon as possible, as well as local neck and back injury attorney services.