Tips for Supporting Your Recovery After a Work Injury
Injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. A work-related injury can disrupt all aspects of your life, from your health to your income to your ability to provide for yourself and your family. The sad reality is that after a work injury occurs, things don’t get put aside to wait for you to recover. Bills, child-related expenses, and other living expenses keep coming regardless of your condition. Fortunately, in Vermont, the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide employees who suffer work-related injuries with medical and wage replacement benefits while they recover.
However, after a work injury, your only focus should not be on filing a workers’ compensation claim and seeking benefits. You must be intentional about supporting your recovery after a job-related injury. Below are practical tips for supporting your recovery after a work injury.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
In Vermont, 21 V.S.A. § 640 gives employees the right to receive reasonable and necessary medical care for work-related injuries. The first step toward obtaining this care is seeing a doctor as soon as possible after your injury. Seeking prompt medical attention can prevent minor injuries from worsening. Apart from ensuring you don’t delay seeking medical care, attend all doctor appointments. Also, listen to your doctor. Your doctor knows what is best for your body. Follow their instructions and recommendations. Doing otherwise can adversely affect your health. It can also hurt your workers’ compensation claim.
- Get Enough Rest
Resting the affected area is one of the most crucial things you can do after a work injury. Giving your body time to heal is essential for a fast recovery. Do not rush to go back to work. Pressure from all your financial responsibilities can make it tempting to resume work as soon as possible, but it is vital that you wait until the right time. Returning to work too soon puts you at risk of suffering an injury again or undoing the progress you have already made in your recovery. Additionally, resuming work before you are ready can jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits.
- Stay in Touch With Your Employer
It is advisable to communicate with your employer during your recovery. Keep them informed about your condition and any work restrictions. This is especially vital if you plan on returning to work under light-duty or modified work arrangements. Your doctor will determine if you should avoid specific job tasks or movement types when you resume work. Examples of restrictions include avoiding heavy lifting, standing up for too long, and limiting your work hours. Maintaining communication with your employer can ensure they understand what reasonable accommodations you need when you resume work.
While staying in touch is important, do not allow your employer to pressure you to return to work before your doctor has given you the go-ahead.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health
Supporting your recovery after a work injury is not just about your physical health. A work injury can also affect your mental well-being. It is not uncommon for injured employees to feel frustrated, anxious, and even depressed. Take care of your mental health by talking to a professional, staying connected with loved ones, and engaging in activities that help you relax and feel grounded, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time outdoors.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you have suffered a work-related injury, contact our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC for help with your legal claim.
Source:
legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/009/00640
