Why You Should Report Even “Minor” Work Injuries Now to Avoid a Major Problem Later
In every industry, minor injuries are often a part of a routine workday. And when people are working hard and focused on providing for their families, it is unsurprising that many workers who are injured in what they consider to be a minor way to keep this information to themselves.
But while you may dismiss an injury that you assume is minor and simply go on with your day, this is actually the wrong choice to make. You should always report an injury incurred at work, no matter how insignificant it seems to you.
Why Do Workers Hesitate to Report Minor Injuries?
Workers hesitate to report injuries that are perceived as “minor” to their employers for many reasons which include:
- Fear of career retaliation
- Not wanting to interrupt the workday
- Being afraid of how coworkers will perceive their actions
What is the Problem With Failing to Report an Injury?
The Medical Problem. One major problem with a failure to report is that the average injured worker does not have medical training that would allow the worker to determine how severe an injury could become. And just because an injury is minor when it first occurs, unfortunately, does not mean it will stay that way.
The Time Problem. Florida’s workers’ compensation statute has time stipulations for reporting an injury. For example, you must report your injury within 30 days to your employer, barring certain circumstances, or your claim may be denied. Further, you only have 2 years from the date you knew or should have known you were injured to attempt to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Therefore, your hesitation now could prevent you from getting the benefits you need later.
Are There Other Reasons Why Every Work Injury Should Be Reported?
Absolutely. In addition to the fact that you need to secure your own ability to secure workers’ compensation benefits in case you need them in the future, every report of a workplace danger can also help keep others safe. Once your employer becomes aware of a latent danger such as failing equipment or a defect in current safety practices, your employer can work to implement changes.
This is important because even if your injury turns out to be minor, a coworker who becomes injured in the same way may not be so fortunate. Failing to report the cause of a minor injury can also have future implications for you if you continue using the same machinery or adhering to the same workplace practices that injured you in the first place. There is no guarantee that you would not be injured again – nor that your injury would not be worse the next time around.
Has an Injury You Initially Thought Was Minor Escalated to a Serious Injury You Need to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits For?
Then allow us to help. You deserve to be compensated with workers’ compensation benefits just like anyone else who is injured on the job. The Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates have significant experience helping people obtain the workers’ compensation benefits they are entitled to and can help you fight while you focus on recovery. Begin by contacting us today to schedule a consultation.
https://www.payerandassociates.com/how-smartphones-are-boosting-workers-compensation-claims/
