Workers Compensation for a Blunt Force Injury At Work in Missouri

A blunt force injury refers to trauma or hits you suffer on your body. Depending on where the blow is, and how much force it has, it can leave different effects on the body, from bruises to internal injuries, or even long-term disability if the blunt injury is located in the head region.

Below are some steps that may help you deal with a blunt force injury at work, and what you need to do to get workers’ compensation.

Recovery

Blunt force injuries are varied, and you may not always feel the full impact right away. In some cases, the body will release extra adrenaline to help you deal with these traumatic situations, but even if you feel perfectly fine after the hit, it does not mean you are fine.

Here some general guidelines to follow. Of course, because each situation is different, it is important to seek and follow the guidance of a medical professional.

1. Apply ice – if the blow is minor like if you suffer a smaller blow that results in some pain or bruising, but no broken skin, you should apply ice to the area to help the swelling go down.

2. Elevate your injured member – if the injury occurs on your hands, arms, or legs, you can also reduce swelling by elevating the injury.

3. Apply compressions – you can use a bandage to wrap an injured area that presents with a mild open cut, to prevent major blood loss.

4. Call for help – if the injury is serious, you should call 911 right away and wait for the paramedics to arrive and offer first aid.

5. Seek medical help anyways – even if the injury is minor in your view, it’s still a good idea to get it checked just to be safe.

Getting Compensated

If you get injured at work and suffer blunt force injury, you are generally entitled to worker’s comp benefits to cover your medical treatment.

These benefits are available even if the accident was your fault, either because of a moment of not paying attention or negligence, so you should file a claim even if you caused the accident. Additionally, the ‘size’ of the injury does not matter. Even non-fatal injuries can result in expensive medical treatments.

To get compensated, you first have to notify your employer in writing, giving them all the details of your injuries:

• When it happened
• How it happened
• And your contact information

After that, your employer will let you know what doctor you can visit for treatment, as it’s their right to choosing your worker’s comp doctor. If you’ve also had urgent medical attention, these costs will also generally be reimbursed.

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

Blunt force injuries can be minor, but they can also result in life-changing consequences. If you’ve suffered one at work, please reach out to a Kansas City work injury lawyer for help on how to proceed and get compensated.