I Got Hurt on the Job: What Should I Do Now? 

More than 4.5 million Americans received medical care for work injuries in 2022. People working in the education and health services industries were most likely injured, followed by retail and manufacturing. As you can see, regardless of the type of work you do, you may be vulnerable to a workplace injury. 

At Orthocenter, we’re happy to help if you’ve been injured at work. Our highly trained specialists understand that your work injury may need to be assessed quickly and that you may need help in evaluating your day-to-day activities at work so that you can heal and hopefully avoid future injuries. 

The most important thing

When it comes to your health, the most important thing is preserving it. Inform your supervisor immediately, in writing, if at all possible. If your supervisor isn’t immediately available, get medical help or call 911. 

Getting medical attention right away is crucial. In some cases, the sooner you get treatment, the better your outcome will likely be.

You, your health, and your well-being are the most important thing when you’re injured. Reporting your injury is part of the process of getting appropriate insurance coverage for your injury. If you’re in an emergency situation, you don’t need pre-authorization for medical care.

Employers or insurance companies in New Jersey can choose physicians they approve to treat work-related injuries. If your employer has such a list, choose a provider from it once you’ve received initial care for urgent injuries. 

Why you might need an orthopedic specialist

Some of the most common workplace injuries involve the musculoskeletal system. For example, slips, trips, and falls are workers' most common injuries. You may end up with a sprained ankle, a fractured wrist, or a pulled muscle—all injuries we treat at Orthocenter.

Another very common work-related injury is a repetitive stress injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.  Over time, repeating the same motion can lead to inflammation, pain, and pinched nerves. 

Damage to your bones, joints, and the soft tissues, such as tendons and muscles that support them, can be serious, but there are also effective treatments to help you recover. 

Follow-up care matters

Full recovery often requires more than just seeing a physician once or twice when you're injured. For orthopedic issues, you may need immediate care and a recovery plan. Physical therapy or specific strengthening and flexibility exercises may be necessary.

In instances of sprain or strain, you may need guidance on slowly ramping up your activity level to avoid re-injuring yourself.

Depending on your injury, you may need to modify your activities for a time or permanently. We can help you evaluate your work activities and make a plan to help you lower the chance of being injured again.

If you’ve been hurt at work, take care of yourself. Schedule an appointment with a specialist at any of the convenient locations of Orthocenter and begin your recovery.