On-the-job injuries can leave California workers suffering for weeks or even longer. While it might be tempting to ignore your injury and just tough it out, there are reasons why you should never do that.
You are probably underestimating your injuries
You might initially think your injury isn’t that serious. It’s possible to think you’re fine at first, but chances are, you’re underestimating the severity. Immediately after an accident, your body might be pumping a lot of adrenaline. Once that eases, you’ll begin to feel the true effects of your injuries.
You could get worse
Ignoring your workplace injuries and trying to work through them can adversely affect your health. Your injury could get worse if you don’t get prompt medical attention and treatment. Certain injuries might clear up on their own with minor treatment options and rest. However, it’s impossible to know if that might be the case if you don’t seek medical help.
You won’t be able to recover benefits
When you try to work through your injuries, you’re sacrificing a lot. If you later learn that you can’t continue working or have to change your job because your injuries prevent you from doing what you did before, it could lead to big problems. If enough time has passed since your injury, you won’t be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. Benefits from workers’ comp could cover the costs of your medical bills and a portion of your wages if you’re unable to work while recuperating.
You might have to quit your job because your injuries prevent you from working. If that’s the case, you might run into financial problems because you have to pay out of pocket for your medical expenses and continuing treatment.
For your own health’s sake, if you suffer an injury while working, it’s important to take immediate action. Get medical help and file a workers’ compensation claim.
