I Was Hurt on the Job: What Should I Do?

The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that there were over 4.5 million workplace injuries resulting in medical consultations in 2022. On-the-job injuries happen, so it’s important to know what to do to protect your health and your rights under labor laws in your state. 

Regarding workplace injuries, the team at 360 Orthopedics has you covered with workers’ compensation health care, designed to get you back to work quickly while meeting your legal requirements for injury support and reporting.  

You have responsibilities and timelines to meet in Florida for successful workers’ compensation claims. Your first priority is first aid that’s appropriate to the injury. Only after securing your immediate health can you move to your reporting duties under Chapter 440 of the Florida Statutes.  

Reporting the injury

This may seem automatic or obvious in a conventional on-site workplace, where those around you know the injury. However, it’s still your responsibility to notify your lead hand, supervisor, or manager of the injury within 30 days of the accident or from the first time you notice the effects of an occupational illness. 

Some injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, can stem from your workplace duties without being attached to a single accident or event. Such repetitive strain injuries are common and covered under Workers’ Compensation, but only when you meet the 30-reporting requirement. You might not be eligible for a claim if you wait longer than 30 days. 

Workplace injury reports

Reporting an injury is the first step; often, a completed workplace injury report is the written proof of your initial report. Employers are required under Florida law to keep workplace injury report forms available for employees. 

Insist on filling out a workplace injury report, even if you’re told it isn’t necessary. Keep a copy for your records. 

Inform your practitioner that your injury is work-related

When you seek treatment for your injury, inform us that your visit is due to a workplace incident, regardless of how minor the injury is. Doctors’ records support your injury report and your Workers’ Compensation claim. 

File a Workers’ Compensation claim

A Workers’ Compensation claim differs from reporting an injury or completing a workplace injury report form. While you should start a claim soon after your injury, you have up to two years from an injury or the first indication of symptoms. 

This is to keep from excluding injuries that fail to heal or develop complications beyond the 30-day reporting window. It’s always in your own best interests to follow up on all stages of a workplace injury promptly. 

While this may lead to filing a claim for an injury that resolves uneventfully, it also protects you when deteriorating health takes a toll when no claim is started. 

From initial care to follow-up treatment and practitioner reporting, 360 Orthopedics is here for you through the Workers’ Compensation process. Call our nearest office to schedule an appointment today.