Though many work-related injuries go unreported, it’s always better to report your injury and seek medical attention.
On average, around 13 workers die as a result of workplace injuries. That’s more than 4,000 deaths per year. In addition, nearly 3 million workers are injured on the job each year. Sadly, many of these injuries go unreported. Here are eight of the most common reasons:
1. Self- Diagnosis
Many times, workers will self-diagnose their injuries. They’ll decide that the pain isn’t bad enough to warrant seeing a doctor or filing a report. Others think they can just tough it out. This is especially true for men who may have been led to believe that they need to be strong and simply endure pain.
2. Lack of Awareness
Workers may not be aware of their rights when reporting injuries. They may not know that their employer is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance.
They may also be unaware of the potential benefits of filing a report, such as receiving medical treatment and wage replacement while they recover.
3. Workers Don’t Want to Lose Their Job
In today’s economy, many workers are afraid of losing their job if they report an injury. They may fear that their employer will view them as a liability and decide to let them go.
4. Workers Don’t Want to Get Their Employer in Trouble
Some workers may not want to report an injury because they don’t want to get their employer in trouble. They may fear that their employer will be fined or even shut down if an inspection finds safety violations.
5. Workers Don’t Want to Miss Work
Some workers may feel that they can’t afford to miss work, even if they’re injured. They may worry about losing income or falling behind on their bills. This is especially true for low-wage workers who live paycheck to paycheck.
6. Thinking That the Accident Was Their Fault
Many workers believe that they are to blame for the accident and think it was their fault. As a result, they don’t want to report it because they fear being disciplined or fired.
7. Fearing Retaliation
Some workers may not report an injury because they fear retaliation from their employer. They may have seen other workers who reported injuries get passed over for promotions or raise. Or they may have been told to their face that they will be punished if they report an injury.
8. Difficulty Filing a Report
Filing a report can be a complex and time-consuming process. It often involves filling out lots of forms and dealing with insurance companies. This can be daunting for injured workers, who may already be feeling overwhelmed by their injury.
These are just a few reasons why work injuries often go unreported. It’s important to remember that, even if you’re worried about these things, it’s always better to report an injury than to try to tough it out on your own. Reporting an injury can help you get the treatment you need and ensure that your workplace is safe for everyone.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured on the job, our experienced St. Louis workers comp attorney is here to help. We have over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of injured Missouri workers and can evaluate your case for free. Give us a call 24/7!