Hurt on the Job? We Can Help with Workers’ Comp

Accidents happen all the time, even at work. When you get hurt on the job, it’s important to get a medical evaluation right away. Work injuries, even minor ones, can affect your health now and in the future. Getting a diagnosis and treatment plan in place may prevent long-term problems.

Not all health care providers treat work injuries because costs are covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. At East Side Primary Medical Care on New York City’s Upper East Side, our skilled primary care provider, Dr. Daniel Klein, understands the complexity of workers’ compensation and provides comprehensive care for work injuries.

If you’ve been hurt on the job, we can help.

Common work injuries

Despite the precautions your employer takes to create a safe work environment, injuries and illnesses happen. According to the most recent data from the National Safety Council, the most common work injuries include:

Exposure to harmful substances or environments

Exposure to harmful substances or environments is currently the most common type of work injury because of COVID-19. Normally, this type of work injury refers to exposure to hazardous chemicals like paint, cleaning products, or photocopier toner. 

However, the virus that causes COVID-19 is considered a harmful substance. If you contract COVID-19 on the job, you have a work-related illness.

Overexertion and bodily reaction

Overexertion and bodily reaction refers to work injuries caused by excessive physical activity such as lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy items or repetitive movements like typing, hammering, or painting. 

Tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger are examples of overexertion and bodily reaction work injuries.

Slips, trips, and falls

Slips, trips, and falls are the third most common type of work injury in the United States. These injuries may lead to sprains and strains, herniated discs, or broken bones.

When you get hurt on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covers a percentage of your lost wages from missed days of work as well as all medical costs related to your injury or illness. 

When to get medical care

You need to get medical care right away when you have a work injury. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent your work injury from getting worse. 

You may not question going to the emergency room when you have a serious injury like a broken bone or disabling back pain. But you may hesitate seeking treatment if you don’t have an obvious injury or pain. 

You may not feel any pain now from your minor trip and fall, but later, when your adrenaline wears off, you may feel stiff and achy. In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits you need timely medical treatment, whether your injury is minor or serious.

Treatment for work injuries

Treatment for work injuries depends on the type of injury you have. Minor injuries may heal quickly and require very little medical intervention. However, more serious injuries may need ongoing care and other health specialists to support the healing process.

We’re a primary care practice that can manage all of your workers’ compensation needs, including initial diagnosis, follow-up care, and referrals to specialists.

Workplace injuries and illnesses are common and there’s no need to grin and bear it. We can perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose your injury and provide the treatment you need so you can get back to work. Call our office or book an appointment online today.