The Vital Steps to Recovery After Your Injury at Work Claim
Did you need to file an injury at work claim? You may worry that your workers’ comp benefits won’t be enough.
For now, keep work concerns out of your mind, and focus on the healing process. Be fully attentive to your body’s needs so you can return to work faster. Additionally, minimize stress in your life to commence a speedier recovery.
Overall, you should follow your doctor’s instructions, stay upbeat, educate yourself about workers’ comp, and hire an attorney.
This article will show you the most productive ways to recover from a workplace injury. Let’s explore.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Listen to your doctor before anyone else. Your employer may pressure you to return to work as soon as possible. Only your doctor knows when you’re ready to work again.
A medical professional will officially greenlight your return to work. It’s best to enter the workforce in top physical form.
Returning to work haphazardly could prolong the injury. You could also sustain a serious injury that could force you back into a longer recovery phase.
When communicating with your doctor, discussing the nature of your job in detail.
- Example: If your job calls for heavy lifting, ask if you can lift heavy items regularly.
A doctor who knows your job will be in a better position to approve your return. You may also have the following concern: “What if my doctor sends me back to work after an injury too soon?”
If you’re worried about returning to work sooner, obtain a second opinion. Another doctor can give you additional peace of mind in case you have doubts.
Don’t Return Too Early.
Staying in touch with your employer throughout the recovery process is important. However, your employer may pressure you to return as soon as possible. Resist any pressure to return sooner than expected, especially if your doctor advises against it.
You may even pressure yourself to return early due to financial stress. Also, many recovering workers want to enter the workforce prematurely to get back to normal. They could even feel fine after a certain period.
Allow the healing process to run its course. Some injuries take longer to heal than others. A head injury, for example, can take up to a year to heal. Moreover, many workers don’t have the patience for a year-long recovery and may return to work sooner.
In the case of head injuries, you may not feel the full effect of the injury until you’re active again. Returning to work after a head injury is dangerous if you’re not ready. If not careful, head injuries can lead to serious consequences, such as sensory complications or sleeping problems.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
The recovery process can be daunting and frustrating, especially when it takes longer than expected. However, keep a positive frame of mind to hasten the recovery process. A positive attitude can improve your physical health.
Your worries and frustrations can lead to depression. Negative emotions place stress on the body and hamper your ability to heal.
With that, retaining a positive attitude is easier said than done. You can, however, boost your frame of mind by doing the following:
- Stay in contact with family and friends regularly.
- Find new hobbies that will keep you occupied.
- Treat yourself to something special regularly.
Maintaining your social life is the most important factor during the recovery phase. Isolation can foster negative thoughts.
Additionally, old and new hobbies will preoccupy your mind and instill happiness within you. When it comes to rewards, treat yourself to something you don’t often do.
- Example: If you enjoy sweets, treat yourself to a dessert every so often.
You can also treat yourself when you reach a milestone in your recovery phase. Routine rewards highlight the achievements you’ve made throughout recovery.
Know Your Rights
Despite a positive attitude, you may still have a lingering concern about money. That’s why it’s important to know your rights as a worker.
The law mandates that employers provide compensation as you recover. If you’re not receiving enough coverage, talk to a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you obtain the right amount of compensation.
Find an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney
Don’t hire a general practice attorney who has no experience in workers’ comp cases. Instead, find legal counsel with an impeccable track record of handling workers’ comp claims.
An experienced lawyer will be an immeasurable asset during recovery. They will handle workers’ comp problems as they arise. Therefore, you can focus on recovery while your attorney deals with comp issues. As a result, your body can recover without additional stress.
Attend Physical Therapy
It’s important to get the full benefits you deserve because you may need to undergo additional treatment, such as physical therapy. For instance, you may need to attend physical therapy if you suffered a back injury at work. Your comp plan may pay for physical therapy within certain parameters.
Attend physical therapy if your doctor recommends it. Physical therapy can do the following:
- Prevent the need for surgery
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Enhance your mobility
- Restore your balance
Plus, physical therapy keeps your body active as you recover.
Filing an Injury at Work Claim the Right Way
Filing an injury at work claim is the best way to ensure a productive recovery. Your claim may also provide compensation for other healing programs (i.e., physical therapy). To maximize your benefits, seek an attorney who knows about workers’ comp claims.
Above all, your doctor is the most important person during the recovery process. Listen to your doctor regularly, as they will help you return to work safely.
Are you struggling with pain management? Read more on our blog to learn how you can cope after an accident.
