5 Signs You're a Candidate for Workers’ Compensation

Our specialists at 360 Orthopedics often treat workplace injuries. Many common on-the-job injuries include bone fractures, joint disorders, soft tissue damage, sprains, and strains. Because of this, we work closely with Workers’ Compensation. 

Orthopedic injuries don’t always occur in the form of accidents. You may suffer pain and mobility loss due to repetitive strain injuries that develop over time. These, too, can qualify you for a workers’ compensation claim. 

It’s important to know the signs of workplace injuries, since they’re not always recognizable when problems start. To help you through the process, we’ve prepared an overview of five common signs suggesting you may be a workers’ compensation claim candidate. 

The injury started on the job

It seems like the most obvious requirement is that an injury that started at work qualifies for Workers’ Compensation, but several factors can cloud the issue. An accident event is often easy to identify, such as a slip, trip, or other situation that you encounter while doing your job. 

The effects of repetitive strain start when you begin a task that causes you to move in certain ways that limit how much motion a joint uses. Whenever a joint uses less than its full range of motion, there’s a risk of inflammation and tissue irritation that can become worse over time. 

You might first notice pain and other symptoms of injury away from your job, but these may still qualify for Workers’ Compensation because the repetitive strain started there. 

The injury is work-related

As you can see, the line between “on the job” and “job-related” can sometimes be vague. Delivery drivers or agents who work away from the office can have injuries on the job, but not in the office. Similarly, if you’re at work and you suffer an injury while doing something that’s not work-related, you might not qualify for a Workers’ Compensation claim. 

You lost paid time because of the injury

It’s possible to suffer a minor injury at work, yet you finish your shift, rest for the night, and return to work the next day. This is common for injuries resulting from overexertion. However, you may not qualify for a Workers’ Compensation claim because you lost no earnings due to the injury. At its simplest, Workers’ Compensation is about covering lost wages. 

You received medical bills because of the injury

Workplace injuries aren’t always simple, though. Consider the injury above; however, add a stop after work for medical care. The practitioner you see recommends a brace, topical medication, or other form of treatment. You purchase these and use them when you get home. The next day, you return to work with no lost time. 

Now, though, you’ve incurred costs related to your workplace injury, which changes the status of your ability to make a Workers’ Compensation claim. To qualify for this coverage, though, you must seek medical treatment. 

You report your injury as required by State regulations

Workers’ Compensation claims follow a series of steps to ensure eligibility and processing. In Florida, there are four general steps you need to address: 

• Report the injury to your employer: no later than 30 days after the injury or, in the case of slow-developing injuries, 30 days from your first knowledge of it
• Seek medical treatment: generally, with an authorized physician or practice
• File a claim: your employer provides you with Form DWC-1
• Keep records and follow up: Document and save all events, records, receipts, and related paperwork, and check with your company’s insurer to verify that your claim is filed.

Many people consult with an attorney specializing in Florida Workers’ Compensation case law, particularly when their case has unusual aspects or complex circumstances. 

At 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, we’re experienced at processing Workers’ Compensation evaluations from the practitioner’s perspective. Call or click to schedule a consultation whenever you encounter an on-the-job injury.