In 2022, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry in the United States. While you might assume most of those occurred in more physical jobs, office workers are far from immune. In fact, nearly 20% of injuries are due to slips, trips, and falls, which can happen in a conference room just as much as in a warehouse.
However it happened, you may find yourself among these numbers of workplace injuries or illnesses and wonder what steps to take next. At our three urgent care centers in the greater Los Angeles area, the team at Michael Bazel, M.D. routinely handles workplace accidents, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Following, we provide a basic outline of what you should do when you’re injured or become ill due to your work.
Defining a workplace injury or illness
First, we want to provide a basic explanation of what constitutes a workplace injury or illness. While we outlined the slip and fall scenario already, many workplace injuries aren’t acute, such as repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. In California, illnesses like COVID-19 now fall under workers’ comp if you were exposed on the job.
Our point is, workplace injuries can be both acute or develop over time, and certain illnesses fall into the workplace category as well.
Alert your employer and seek our help
The most important step after a workplace injury or illness is to tend to your health. If it’s possible, we recommend you alert your employer as soon as possible, which can set the wheels in motion for a workers’ comp claim, if necessary.
Of course, if your injury is urgent, make getting help your top priority — we can backtrack and alert your employer after you get the medical assistance you need.
Get the right team in your corner
While getting medical attention for your workplace injury or illness is paramount, it can make all the difference if you seek the right help. Our team understands the workers’ comp system, and we know how to navigate the often tricky bureaucratic waters.
For example, we make sure your basic care is covered and, if you need a specialist, we point you in the right direction. All the while, we stay in contact with your employer and/or workers’ comp agencies so they have what they need to satisfy your claim.
Work within your limits
Many times, people can return to work after a workplace injury or illness, but not to the same work as before — at least not right away. We can work with you to figure out your limitations and report those to the decision-makers so that you can stay productive.
See your workplace injury through
Our team is with you every step of the way if you become injured on the job. After our initial care, it’s important that you keep up with any appointments we recommend — missing appointments can disrupt your claim.
You want not only a team that puts your health first but also one that understands the workers’ comp side of things. That team can be found here at Michael Bazel, M.D.
If you have any questions about workplace injuries or you’ve been injured on the job, please visit one of our locations in Panorama City, Bell, or Valley Village, California. You can also call to schedule an appointment or request one online anytime.
