Identifying Your Work Injury

Injured Workers Need to Pay Attention to Warning Signs

You know when something is not right with your body. It could be a mild pain in your shoulder, knee or back. Maybe you’ve noticed a problem with your vision. Or you might have developed a persistent cough. You recognize the symptoms, but don’t know what caused them.

It can be tempting to just ignore the symptoms and assume they’ll go away. But doing that can put your health at risk. Your symptoms may be a sign of a work-related injury or illness that will continue to worsen until you get medical treatment.

Some examples of work-related illnesses or injuries include:

• Respiratory problems may be the result of breathing in toxic chemicals or fumes in the workplace.
• Vision loss could be caused by exposure to poor lighting
• Hearing problems may be caused by working where there is loud noise
• Pain in the wrist, arm, neck or shoulder could be a repetitive stress injury caused by performing the same motions over and over at work
• Signs of a head injury may not appear until days or even weeks after a work-related accident

If you have been injured at the workplace, you are eligible for benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits include payment for medical expenses related to the injury or illness, as well as lost wages if you are unable to work while you recover.

If you think you may have a work-related injury, don’t delay. See a doctor about your symptoms. And consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help determine whether your injury was caused on the job.

Don’t delay. If you have suffered a work-related injury, it’s important to document it as soon as possible to protect your right to benefits. Contact us today.