If My Workplace Injury is Not Serious, Should I Still Go to the Doctor?

Ft. Collins Workers' Compensation Lawyer for Larimer County Oil and Gas, Construction, and Trucking Employees

While workplace injuries and illnesses have dropped by around 80 percent over the past four decades, improvements in safety procedures will never eradicate the threat entirely. This is especially true in hazardous industries like oil and gas, construction, and trucking. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says improper fall and respiratory protection, faulty scaffolding and ladders, and insufficient hazardous energy source lockouts are among the most common violations that lead to injury.

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we help individuals injured in workplace accidents, including those whose employers do not have sufficient workers' comp insurance to cover medical bills and missed work hours. Many of those injured are not sure if the severity of their injuries requires a doctor's care or an official accident report.

What to Do if Injured at Work

If you are unsure of the seriousness of your injuries, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. You want to tell the physician what body parts you injured and how the injury occurred.

If you do not report the injury right away, your employer's insurance company may deny your injury claim. If you either know or suspect you were seriously injured, then see a doctor. If the injury is properly documented, and it is later discovered your injuries are more severe than initially believed, you have preserved your legal rights to compensation. Sometimes the natural rush of adrenaline immediately after an accident masks a victim's pain, but a doctor can provide a full diagnosis and long-term projection for your recovery.

Types of Workplace Injuries

Around 4.6 million work injuries occur each year in the U.S. The most common injuries are ligament sprains, strains, and tears; cuts or punctures; and soreness and pain. The most severe injuries include head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and back and neck injuries. These can result in anything from short-term to permanent disability. Some victims progress toward a full recovery while others suffer from diminished earning capacity and reduced quality of life.

When you are injured at work, it is imperative you get the compensation necessary for any current and future medical expenses. Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will help you get what you need, whether through negotiations with an insurance company to reach an agreeable settlement, or through courtroom litigation.

Contact a Fort Collins Workplace Injury Lawyer

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our dedicated legal team of talented attorneys and paralegals was assembled to provide the best possible representation for Northern Colorado accident victims. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including workers' comp settlements of up to $2.5 million. Let us fight for the financial award you deserve. To set up a free consultation with a Larimer County personal injury attorney, contact us today at 970-225-2190. We also serve Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, Weld County, Longmont, Boulder, and Boulder County.