Signs Your Work Injury May Be More Serious Than You Think
After suffering an injury because of your job, the severity of your injury may not be immediately obvious. You might be tempted to assume that yours is a minor injury. However, sometimes what appears to be a minor injury at first can turn out to be something more serious over time. Unfortunately, many injured workers dismiss their symptoms or delay seeking medical help because they assume their injury is not serious enough to warrant concern. Knowing the warning signs of a serious work injury can help protect your health and legal rights.
Below are some of the early signs that your work injury may be more serious than you think.
- Persistent Headaches and Dizziness
It is typical to experience headaches after a work injury. However, if you are experiencing persistent headaches that get worse with time, it could be a sign that you suffered a head or brain injury. Even if you did not lose consciousness after your work accident, it is possible that you sustained a head or brain injury. A blow or jolt to the head can cause a concussion or even a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Worsening or Unusual Pain (In Other Body Parts)
It is also typical to feel pain throughout the body after a work injury. However, if pain lasts longer than a few days or worsens over time, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as nerve damage, ligament tear, fracture, or herniated disc. You should not ignore such pain. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Ignoring unusual or worsening pain can hinder recovery and complicate your workers’ compensation claim.
- Swelling and Bruising That Doesn’t Disappear
Some swelling and bruising after a work injury is normal. However, minor swelling and bruising usually start to improve after a few days. If, after some days, your swelling and bruising is not showing any signs of improvement, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. For example, it could be a sign of soft tissue damage or internal bleeding.
- Limited Range of Motion
Another symptom that usually indicates that something more serious is going on is a limited range of motion. Are you struggling to bend, twist, or reach without experiencing sharp pain? If so, it could be an indication of a joint injury, muscle strain, or a more serious condition like a torn ligament or herniated disc.
- Numbness or Tingling Sensations
If you experience numbness or tingling sensations in your leg, arm, or hand, it could indicate nerve damage. Often, nerve damage requires extensive medical treatment. If nerve damage is not addressed immediately, it can have devastating consequences, including lasting disability.
What you think is a minor injury at first might quickly become a life-altering injury if you don’t act fast. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or other symptoms not discussed in this article, seek medical attention right away and report your injury to your employer. Additionally, speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you understand your legal rights.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Our experienced Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC can help you understand and protect your legal rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
