When you are hurt on the job, you may suffer a laceration, a crushing injury or even a broken bone. While it is certain that no one wants to experience these things, they are often much easier to prove in court than a soft tissue injury. Soft tissue injuries are difficult to see and it can be difficult to prove to a judge that you suffered them. That said, it is not impossible.
Common Injury
The most common soft tissue injury is whiplash. This describes a strain or sprain to the cervical column. It is typically caused by a quick acceleration and deceleration of the body.
Other common soft tissue injuries include contusions, sprains and strains of muscles. Sometimes these injuries aren’t felt until days or weeks after your accident.
Medical Attention
People who are hurt at work often fail to seek medical attention if they don’t sustain an obvious injury. This is a mistake. Failure to seek medical attention may negate your ability to win a workers’ compensation claim should you file one later.
If you are involved in an accident at work, notify your supervisor in writing within 48 hours. Once you have reported the injury you should seek medical attention from your own physician. Do not feel forced to visit the physician that your employer recommends, it is not required.
Once you have followed the above steps, your next one should be to consult an attorney. A legal professional can help you file your claim correctly and can assist you should your claim be denied. An attorney can also give you a realistic picture of the compensation you can reasonable expect to receive.
If you have been injured at work, even if it is not obvious, call our office for assistance. One of our team members will review the details of your workplace accident and answer your questions about workers’ compensation in Charleston. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist you. We are here for you and your family as you work to put your life back together.