Not many people expect to get hurt at work, but it does happen. In fact, accidents occur in many work settings, including construction sites, factories and offices. If you recently got hurt, the legal professionals at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. would advise you to seek immediate medical care. A doctor should evaluate your injuries and then recommend the appropriate treatment plan. It’s also important to get immediate medical attention to get the financial help you need.
Here are some tips for communicating with a doctor after getting injured at work.
Provide a Complete and Honest Medical History
When you see a doctor regarding your work injury, expect to be asked questions about your medical history. It is important to be open and honest about your medical history. Your doctor will not be able to help you to the best of his or her ability without the entire truth. Not telling the whole truth may also put your workers’ compensation claim in jeopardy. For example, if you have a previous neck injury, you should let your doctor know at your appointment.
Be Specific About Your Symptoms
When describing your injury to your doctor, try to be as specific as you can. For instance, if you suffered a back injury, do you feel sharp or dull pain? Is the pain worse at certain times of the day? The more information you can provide your doctor, the better he or she can assist you.
Do not Exaggerate Your Injuries
While you should be honest and detailed about your injuries, you also should not exaggerate. As New Jersey work injury lawyers can confirm, some workers may embellish their injuries to get more compensation. However, doctors can easily figure out through examinations and tests to confirm the severity of your injuries. If you are caught exaggerating your injuries, you could hurt your workers compensation claim.
Ask About Your Treatment Plan
After diagnosing your injury, your doctor will decide on the proper treatment plan. It is essential for you to understand your entire treatment plan and ask questions about anything you are unsure about. You should also find out how long the treatment will last and what degree of recovery you should make. If your doctor expects your injury to be permanent, you will want to inform your lawyer, as that could mean you’re entitled to higher compensation.
Talk About Your Work Limitations
During your appointment, ask your doctor if you can go back to work while undergoing treatment or have to stay completely off work. If your doctor permits you to go back to work, he or she may advise you to only do light duty. If that is the case, you will want to bring a note to your employer so that they can properly accommodate you.
If you have been injured at work, you may want to schedule an appointment with a lawyer as soon as possible to talk about your case.