Work-related injuries constitute any bodily harm that happens during the reasonable scope of your employment. These conditions can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Some people even suffer fatal injuries and pass away. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), work-related injuries are more common than you think. In 2021, the nation saw 2.6 million on-the-job injuries, with 5,190 resulting in fatalities.
If you’re living in the aftermath of a work-related injury, you don’t have to bear the pain any longer. When you schedule an appointment with Naples Community Injury Center, you can start traveling the path to wellness. Call (239) 631-5445 to learn more.
Examples of Work-Related Injuries
Work-related injuries can result from traffic accidents, defective products, and fires. These conditions can include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Mayo Clinic reports that TBIs generally result from any jolt or blow to the head. They can also result from penetrating injuries, such as gunshot wounds. Examples of TBIs include:
- Brain bleeds (hematomas)
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Diffuse axonal injuries
Even a minor TBI can affect your cognitive function, mobility, and emotional regulation. Rather than focusing on recovering, you may instead focus on adapting to your new quality of life.
Spinal Cord Trauma
Spinal cord trauma can lead to paralysis, ongoing pain, and numbness. Mayo Clinic notes that you can’t fully recover from a spinal cord injury, meaning you could deal with symptoms for the rest of your life.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Your body comprises an interconnected system of nerves, ligaments, tissues, joints, and tendons. A soft-tissue injury affects these parts. Examples include:
- Torn ligaments
- Strains
- Sprains
- Whiplash
- Contusions
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
While these conditions can heal on their own, some require a professional opinion. For instance, BMC Public Health notes that while many instances of whiplash aren’t serious, some cause problems for years after the initial injury.
Lacerations
Lacerations can quickly turn into life-threatening conditions. For instance, if you nick a major vein, you could risk passing out from blood loss. Lacerations can also cause disfiguring scars, affecting your appearance, confidence, and mobility.
If you visit a healthcare facility, like Naples Community Injury Center, you can get peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything possible to better your condition.
You Could Also Contract a Job-Related Illness
Physical injuries are just one threat on some worksites. Over time, you could also develop an illness that threatens your well-being, such as cancer or respiratory ailments. These illnesses could arise on construction sites that routinely deal with hazardous substances.
How Common Are Work-Related Injuries?
There are millions of on-the-job injuries each year. The National Safety Council (NSC) lists these facts:
- Most injuries that happen at work are preventable.
- There are 3.1 deaths for every 100,000 full-time workers.
- More than four million people sought medical attention for work-related conditions.
The NSC acknowledges that these numbers differ from the ones listed on the BLS’s website. Still, even with the slight variation, one thing is certain: work-related injuries happen daily. If you find yourself dealing with a work-related condition, you have treatment options.
What Sectors Have the Most Job-Related Injuries?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that work-related injuries commonly happen in the construction and extraction sectors. Listed in descending order, injuries also threaten those working in:
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation
The BLS also says that those working in education can suffer serious injuries.
What Should You Do If You Suffered a Work-Related Injury?
You should always do what makes sense for your situation. However, some general considerations include:
Notifying Your Employer
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to many workers. Yet, to receive these benefits, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days, per the Florida Department of Financial Services. Waiting too long could threaten your right to compensation.
Documenting Your Condition
Documenting your condition accomplishes two things:
- It supports your claim. You want as much information as possible if you want to file a workers’ compensation or third-party liability claim. Documentation can include correspondence between you and your employer, photos of the accident scene, and eyewitness testimony.
- It helps your doctor understand your condition. Your doctor may order imaging scans and lab tests to further diagnose your condition. You can help them understand your condition and render the appropriate treatment.
Visiting a Healthcare Provider
You don’t want to assume anything about a workplace injury. A condition that may initially seem minor can quickly turn into a life-threatening ordeal. It’s in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
When you come to Naples Community Injury Center for treatment, you can benefit from a customized treatment plan that intends to improve your health. Your treatment plan may include:
- Physical therapy. Stretching and light exercises can alleviate pain and build muscle.
- Chiropractic adjustments. If you suffered a spinal cord injury, you could benefit from chiropractic care. These treatments focus on your spinal cord, aiming to increase your mobility and decrease your discomfort.
- Medications. While we don’t exclusively rely on medication, we may prescribe some to help manage your pain.
- Lifestyle change recommendations. Everyone can benefit from making small changes to their everyday life. These changes vary based on your diet, weight, age, and injury severity.
How long you must undergo treatment depends on your situation. With Naples Community Injury Center, you get a team that’s committed to implementing a customized treatment plan that aims to restore your health. We make changes as necessary to help you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Get Relief From Your Work Injury With Naples Community Injury Center
If you suffered a work-related injury, you don’t have to suffer the pain and discomfort any longer. When you entrust your health to Naples Community Injury Center, we have one goal: to help you feel your best. We have medical doctors and other professionals on staff ready to curate your treatment plan.
We can schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Dial (239) 631-5445 to connect with us.
