All too often when workers are injured the focus is on the most severe parts of the body that are hurt. Frequently, the minor pains and bruises from other parts of the body are ignored. However, in a workers’ compensation claim it is very important to report every hurt, bruised, or swollen body part no matter how minor it may seem at the time.
The human body is interconnected and when you fall, for instance, you may land on your knee, but your hands may have eased the impact, which can cause shoulder and arm pain as well. If you injure your back, the nerve pain and/ or damage can cause problems in your legs. You may not feel any symptoms to those other areas until a day or two later, but these are all parts of your body that could get worse over time and require additional medical treatment.
It is important in a workers’ compensation claim to document every part of the body that was affected by the accident no matter how small it may seem. It is more difficult to make a case that another body part was also injured in the same accident if there is no documentation of it within a few days of the accident.
What’s In The Injury Report Matters
This rule is important to remember when filling out your accident report at work, your workers’ compensation claim form, and any forms you are given at every medical office you visit after the accident. We frequently read emergency room reports where an injured body part is left out or the wrong body part is documented.
We all know hospitals are busy places and not everything is always documented with 100% accuracy, but insurance companies will use this to discredit your injury or the cause of your injury. It is important for you to check that how the accident occurred and that all injuries are clearly described and documented. Make sure to tell the medical professional of every ache, pain and/or discomfort that you are feeling as a result of the accident.
We can help obtain the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve
Workers Compensation is a complex area of the law and having expert workers’ compensation legal help is the only way to guarantee you will be receiving any and all benefits owed to you. There are many petitions involved throughout the claim process that can hurt your claim and even cut off your benefits if you don’t know the time restraints and rules for each. Along with these petitions are the possibilities of surveillance and nurse case managers which is why having our experienced PA workers’ compensation lawyers on your side is imperative.
Not only will we protect your rights, we will give you free advice and representation for your workers’ compensation claim up until a petition is filed. We will also take the time to educate you on all areas of the Worker’s Compensation system so you know what to expect and what to do when certain situations come up. Just like your injury is 24/7, so is our assistance, guidance, and consultation.
If you have been injured at work, call our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers now either at 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation. We have offices in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Scranton and will travel to you.
