In the workplace, it’s possible to suffer invisible work injuries. If these injuries aren’t discovered, they can prevent an employee from performing his or her job duties. Let’s take a closer look at some examples of these invisible injuries.
Physical Work Injuries
Physical invisible injuries that commonly occur in the workplace include whiplash, sprains, strains and soft tissue damage. There are several ways these injuries can happen, such as lifting heavy items and repetitive tasks.
Injuries from Hidden Hazards
Invisible work injuries can also occur because of hidden hazards, which can include chemical valpors and toxic mold. These types of injuries may not become present until years after exposure.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions can also lead to invisible work injuries. There are many conditions, like sciatica and hypertension, that can aggravated by work conditions.
How to Pursue Compensation for Invisible Injuries
- Report the Injury Right Away
It’s important to let your employer know about your injury as soon as possible. Texas law requires you to report a work injury to your employer within 30 days of the injury, or for an occupational disease within 30 days of when you knew or should have known it was work-related. Missing that deadline relieves the employer and carrier of liability unless the employer already knew, the Division finds good cause, or the claim is not contested. Otherwise, your workers’ compensation claim can get denied.
- Find Witnesses
If there are any witnesses that know about your injury, you should ask them to testify.
- Get Medical Attention
Once you realize you have an injury, see a doctor. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, your employer may not believe you are truly hurt and deny your claim.
What You Need to Prove to Get Benefits For Invisible Injuries
In order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you will need to prove the following:
- Coverage
The first thing you have to prove is that you are covered under the workers’ compensation system. Your employer has to possess a valid workers’ compensation policy and you must be a full-time employee.
- Injuries are Work-Related
You also have to prove that you suffered your injuries while doing a work-related task or you were at the workplace when you got injured.
- Extent of Injuries
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you have to prove the extent of your injuries with medical records. The court may also require your doctor to explain how your injury will affect you at your job.
Summing It Up
If you suffered invisible work injuries, you should file a workers’ compensation claim right away. Don’t hesitate to hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer such as the Work Compensation Lawyer trust to help you with the process.