What should I do if I need surgery after a workplace accident?
If you were injured on the job, you must first promptly notify your employer so the incident is documented. Failure to notify your employer of an injury can hurt your chances of getting workers’ compensation benefits.
Once you have notified your employer, you must then see a doctor as soon as possible. During your medical evaluation, your doctor can find out what injuries you have sustained, provide a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.
When do workplace injuries require surgery?
In many cases, you can recover from a workplace injury with the proper rest, therapy and use of pain medication. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend surgery for a severe or potentially long-term injury.
We often see this with:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries, such herniated discs or damage to the vertebrae and/or spinal cord
- Amputations
- Crushed limbs
- Damage to nerves or organs
- Paralysis
- Severe lacerations
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Knee injuries
- Soft tissue tears
Injuries like this can happen in any workplace. We usually see them in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and other occupations with high injury rates. Surgery may also be required if a less severe injury doesn’t show any signs of improvement.
How can I afford the cost of surgery?
Surgery can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the nature of your injury. If your claim gets denied, you may find yourself paying a lot of money out of your own pocket, even if you have health insurance.
Some reasons why your claim may be denied include:
- You didn’t report your injury on time. You have 7 calendar days (excluding Sundays and certain holidays) to report your injury to your employer.
- You didn’t fill out the paperwork correctly. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s critical that all paperwork is properly filled out. Any errors can lead to your claim being denied.
- You waited too long to get medical treatment. It’s important that you seek prompt medical treatment after a workplace accident. Never delay seeing a doctor, even if you think you can wait or recover on your own. Insurance companies can argue that your injuries aren’t legitimate.
To maximize your chances of getting the compensation you need, it is best that you speak to an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney who can help you through this complex process.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are dedicated to helping injured workers get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. To learn more about how we can help, contact us online. Our case evaluations are free and confidential.