pic

What Are My Next Steps After Getting Hurt on the Job?

Mar 02, 2024

No one wants to get hurt, but accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Suffering an injury on the job can be particularly distressing, and it can leave you with a lot of questions about what to do next.

Where should you seek medical care? Do you need to take time off work? Should you file for workers’ compensation? Our team at Cascade Orthopaedics is here to help you find answers.

As a Washington state workers’ compensation provider, we know the process can be confusing. Orthopaedic injuries are some of the most common types of workplace injuries, and knowing how to navigate the aftermath can help you get the medical care and support you need. Start here.

Getting medical attention

First, seek medical care if you suffer an injury. Go to the nearest urgent care or emergency department for serious and life-threatening injuries. For mild injuries, you can schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Your medical team evaluates and diagnoses your injury. In many cases, they can help you determine if you could have a workers’ compensation case and recommend the next steps to take.

Understanding workers' compensation

Workers' compensation is a system designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It’s a type of insurance intended to cover medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and disability benefits for injured workers.

Employers are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance, which helps protect both workers and employers in the event of workplace accidents.

Do you have a work-related orthopaedic injury?

Orthopaedic injuries affect your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, or tendons, and they’re some of the most common types of injuries on the job. Some of the most common orthopaedic injuries sustained in the workplace include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Fractures
  • Sprains and strains

In general, injuries are considered work-related if they occurred during work hours or due to job duties. We also recommend reviewing your workplace's policies and consult with your employer for guidance on filing a workers' compensation claim.

Finding a workers’ compensation health care provider

If you’ve been hurt on the job, you need to find a provider who has experience with workers’ comp. At Cascade Orthopaedics, we understand the complexities involved in managing work-related orthopaedic injuries and navigating the workers' compensation process.

We’re committed to providing comprehensive care, and we’re here to both address your medical needs and guide you through the claims process.

Help filing and managing claims

Our team partners with you to understand your rights, document your injuries, and file workers' compensation claims so you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under the law. We have experience working with Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) claims, and we understand the specific requirements and regulations governing workers' comp in the state.

We also conduct thorough evaluations and rating examinations to assess the extent of your impairment and disability resulting from work-related injuries. These examinations are crucial for making sure you receive fair and accurate compensation.

On-site imaging

We offer on-site imaging services, including X-rays and MRIs, to promptly diagnose orthopaedic injuries and develop appropriate treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

Physical therapy

After diagnosing your injury, we work with you to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Our physical therapists specialize in personalized programs to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion to help you regain optimal function and mobility.

Pain management

We also offer pain management services to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life after you suffer a work-related injury. Our multidisciplinary approach may include medication management, injections, nerve blocks, and other interventional techniques.

Getting hurt on the job can have a major impact on your health, livelihood, and financial well-being. Knowing how to navigate the workers' compensation system is essential, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Learn more about your options with a workers’ compensation consultation at Cascade Orthopaedics in Auburn and Bonney Lake, Washington. Call or request an appointment online today.