When you experience a bump or bruise at work, your first instinct might be to shake it off and get back to the job. However, what appears to be a minor workplace injury today could develop into a serious medical condition tomorrow, one that affects your ability to work and your quality of life. Many Georgia workers have learned this lesson the hard way when a “simple” injury turned into a chronic condition requiring extensive medical treatment, surgery, or even permanent disability. Understanding Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws and when to seek medical attention can protect both your health and legal rights, that’s why in this blog post we’ll be explaining why you should never ignore a “minor” workplace injury.

When Should I Pay Attention to an Injury?

In general, if you experience any kind of injury at work, you should notify your employer immediately. Under Georgia workers’ compensation law, you have 30 days to report a workplace injury to your employer, but waiting even a few days can jeopardize your claim. The sooner you report the incident, the stronger your workers’ compensation case will be.

Depending on the nature of the injury, it could be in your best interest to also consult a doctor. Although there are some injuries that will quickly heal on their own and cause no real harm to your well-being, a large majority of workplace injuries can end up being quite severe. It is important to know when to take the extra steps to seek medical attention and consult a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney.

Common “Minor” Injuries That Can Become Major Problems

There are several injuries that can appear minor at first but if they are untreated or strained while you continue to work, could leave a lasting impact:

Sprains and Strains: Especially in your wrists, knees, back, or shoulders. If you are doing any heavy lifting for your job responsibilities or are often working at a computer that strains your wrists, you could experience a more serious injury if you do not seek treatment. What starts as mild discomfort can progress to:

• Chronic pain requiring ongoing treatment
• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Torn ligaments or tendons requiring surgery
• Permanent range of motion limitations

Slips and Falls: These accidents tend to lead to more intense injuries including breaks or bruises. It is always important to seek a consultation from a healthcare professional after a fall because there could be an underlying injury as a result. Common complications from workplace falls include:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries that may not show symptoms immediately
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Spine and neck injuries that worsen over time
• Fractures that aren’t immediately apparent on visual inspection

Cuts and Scrapes: Although these can often be remedied with some antiseptic cream and a bandaid, you should be cautious and monitor the healing of a wound. If you cut yourself on something unsanitary at your workplace, you could risk infection which can lead to serious complications such as:

• Sepsis (blood infection) which can be life-threatening
• MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections
• Nerve damage if the cut is deep
• Tetanus if the object was rusty or contaminated

Additional Injuries to Watch For:

• Headaches after a workplace incident: Could indicate concussion or traumatic brain injury
• Back pain: Even mild back pain can signal herniated discs or other serious spinal issues
• Shoulder discomfort: May develop into rotator cuff injuries requiring surgery
• Breathing difficulties: Could indicate chemical exposure or internal chest injuries
• Numbness or tingling: May signal nerve damage that requires immediate attention

When to Contact an Experienced Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have been injured at work, it is important that you take the appropriate steps as soon as possible so you can quickly treat your injury and receive any compensation you deserve for missed work or medical expenses. Don’t let a “minor” injury become a major problem. 

If you have suffered from a workplace accident and have been injured as a result, contact Poirier Law Firm today. Our team is dedicated to helping Georgia workers navigate the workers’ compensation system to ensure you return to health and receive the benefits you are entitled to under Georgia law!