Coping with the Physical and Emotional Impact of a Workplace Injury

A work-related injury is one of the most stressful events that can happen on the job. There is the initial trauma of the accident that causes the injury, which sometimes results in the injured worker suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and similar conditions. And once the initial shock has worn off, there is the realization that the injury could keep you out of work for an extended period of time.

This situation creates a lot of unanswered questions. How are we going to pay the mortgage or rent? Where will we get the money to pay the utility bills and put food on the table? How long will it be before I can return to work? How long do I have to endure this excruciating pain from the injury? When will things get back to normal?

A workplace injury is a trying ordeal to be sure, and the physical and emotional aspects of the injury can be some of the most difficult to deal with. But the good news is that you are not the only one that has had to go through this, and there are many things that others have done to cope with the effects of the injury:

Work Closely with Your Doctor

After a workplace injury, your doctor will become one of your most trusted resources. Talk with your doctor extensively about your injury, the treatment plan, and what you need to do to get recovered. Having a strong action plan in place gives you a roadmap to recovery and provides hope that there is light at the end of this tunnel. Give your doctor the best opportunity to effectively treat your condition by following all recommendations, keeping appointments, and refraining from restricted activities.

Educate Yourself on Your Injury

Asking detailed questions of your physician will help you learn a lot about your injury, but you can go a step further by learning more about your condition and the healing process on your own. Becoming more educated and having a better understanding of your condition gives you a greater sense of control as you work toward recovery. One word of caution, however. When you do your research, stick to reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and the CDC, and avoid unreliable websites that contain sketchy information.

Lean on Your Family and Friends

During trying times in your life, it is important to lean on trusted family members and friends for the support you need. This starts with members of your own household. Some people who get hurt on the job do not like to talk about their injury with the people around them, but being open with your family makes them better able to help you get through these difficult days.

Find a New Hobby

When you are recovering from a workplace injury, you might find yourself with quite a bit of extra time on your hands. If you do not find a productive use for this time, you could end up spending all day sad, depressed and in pain focusing on your injury. A better use of your time would be to find something to do that you enjoy. For example, maybe you like art and painting, or maybe you enjoy music or reading. Whatever your interests, look for a hobby that will keep you occupied but will not aggravate your injury.

Join a Support Group

As mentioned earlier, you are not alone in this journey, and there are countless others who have had to endure workplace injuries like yours. Connecting with people who have been where you are and recovered from their injury can be very inspiring. Support group members also tend to be more aware of invaluable resources that can aid your recovery.

Take Care of Your Overall Health

As you follow your doctor’s recommendations, your chance of making a timely recovery will be enhanced if you make your overall health a priority. This means eating the right foods, getting plenty of rest, and perhaps doing light and simple exercises provided they are approved by your doctor. If you focus on a healthy lifestyle, you will have a far more positive outlook during your recovery, and you could end up in better health overall when all of this is over.

Retain a Seasoned Workplace Injury Lawyer

While you are focused on your physical and emotional recovery, it is wise to let experienced professionals handle the legal aspects of your injury. Not all workplace injury cases are the same, however. In many instances, an injured worker may have the opportunity to file a personal injury claim for damages over and above what would be available through workers’ compensation. Be sure to work with attorneys who understand, and who have the proven ability to recover maximum compensation on behalf of their clients.

If your workplace injury occurred in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. is here to help. We will meet with you to thoroughly assess your case and advise you of all of your legal rights and options, so you can make the most informed decision on how you wish to proceed. To get started, message us online or call our office today at 678-981-5370 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.