Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, still much more common than they should be, but they naturally vary in intensity. While for some people they are nothing more than a mild annoyance that goes away on its own, sometimes even without any treatment, other people suffer significant damage that requires long-term hospitalisation, surgeries, and may even result in lifelong disability. In South Africa, an average of 220,000 occupational incidents, including injuries and diseases, take place every year.
Over-exertion, falling from heights, car crashes, repetitive strain injuries, and being struck by heavy equipment or machinery are among the most common hazards in the workplace. Millions of people become injured at work every year, and if the accident is revealed to be the cause of someone else’s negligence, then the victims are well within their rights to demand compensation as part of their recovery.
The injuries
The type of injuries you are most likely to end up dealing with will naturally depend on the kind of job you have and the workspace where you carry out your activities. For instance, if you work in an office, you will most likely end up dealing with musculoskeletal damage such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain. Eye strain and headaches are common as well. Working in manufacturing exposes you to chemical risks as well as heavy machinery, both of which should never be interacted with in the absence of proper equipment.
All types of injuries are covered under compensation claims, so you can commence this process regardless of the kind of health damage you’re dealing with. To ensure you have a successful outcome, make sure to reach out to a team of expert solicitors such as the ones from https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/. Working with a professional will provide you with additional details on the type of proof you should bring to court, the remuneration you can expect to receive, and how the legal procedures will unfold.
Right after becoming injured, your priority should be seeking treatment. Even if the wounds appear to be superficial, it is still better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes, health damage can be silent, and you may remain entirely asymptomatic up until the moment your condition starts deteriorating rapidly. Slipping and falling, for instance, is arguably one of the most common types of injuries out there. It can happen in virtually all environments and for a wide variety of reasons, from uneven flooring to spills. Since you will most likely be able to stand up and dust yourself off after falling, you may believe that everything is perfectly fine and that there’s no need to get an assessment from a physician.
However, you could have injured your head, neck, or spine during the fall. The damage from such an injury won’t be obvious right away, so seeing a doctor is a must. You can receive treatment early on, reducing your risk of dealing with complications. Even if it turns out that there was nothing wrong, it’s still better to be extra cautious instead of acquiring permanent health damage because you couldn’t be bothered. On top of all that, having papers from your physician attesting to the health damage you dealt with as a result of your accident will help considerably when you file for compensation.
The treatment
If you’ve had to deal with extensive health damage, you should make sure to follow your treatment scheme as closely as possible. If your injuries are severe, you will most likely have to be hospitalised so that your condition can be monitored and that medication can be administered intravenously. However, there are also many situations in which you can recover at home. Doing so means that you are responsible for your own well-being, meaning that you should take things seriously. Take your medicine and get as much rest as possible to promote recovery.
If you’re used to being busy and having something to do at all times, this period might be quite challenging for you. At some points, it might seem that you’re completely healed, but if your physician hasn’t given you the green light, you shouldn’t resume your regular activities. Doing so can exacerbate the damage or create new problems that will require a different course of treatment, delaying your complete recovery even further. In some cases, victims feel like a recovery period that takes too long will have a negative impact on their finances since most are unable to work during this time.
However, you can claim compensation for income loss during this time, especially if the medication and larger treatment scheme (which can include things such as physical therapy to help you regain complete control of your muscles and strengthen your joints) drained your savings. In some situations, people feel like they require mental health assistance in the aftermath of an accident as well. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and even depression can occur.
Since their symptoms can be pretty intense and dealing with them on your own can do more harm than good, for example, by leading you to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, it is much more beneficial to talk to a therapist. They will help you navigate your challenging time so that you develop mental resilience and gain more perspective regarding your general outlook.
Focus on your recovery
Focusing on your recovery and making it a priority after becoming injured is of paramount importance. Surround yourself with family and friends who can help in this regard, as you will definitely need support throughout this time. If you’re ready to return to work, you should have an honest discussion with your managers or supervisors about the conditions in which that will happen. In the beginning, you may simply be unable to perform at your previous level and might need to be moved to a different department for a while.
Following an assessment, your employer could also modify your duties or provide training to help you ease back into your routine.
Becoming injured in a workplace incident is a scary and uncomfortable situation. However, recovery is possible and can be achieved with adequate means.
