What Should I Do Immediately After a Work-Related Neck Injury?

Neck injuries are among the most common types of work-related injuries, and they can occur in a variety of occupations, from desk jobs to physically demanding roles. At Slape & Howard, located in Wichita, Kansas, we aim to help individuals who have suffered neck injuries receive fair compensation.

In Kansas, if you suffer a work-related neck injury, it’s essential to understand the steps to take immediately following the incident. Continue reading to learn what you should do after your neck is injured on the job.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The first and most important step after sustaining a work-related neck injury is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if the injury seems minor at first, a neck injury can worsen over time if not treated correctly. Depending on the nature of your injury, it’s essential to go to a medical facility or call emergency services if the injury is severe.

Kansas workers compensation law requires that employees report their injuries promptly and seek medical care from a qualified healthcare provider. While you aren’t required to go to a specific doctor initially, your employer may suggest an approved healthcare provider, and following those recommendations may be beneficial for workers compensation purposes.

In the case of neck injuries, a healthcare provider may assess the injury through physical examination, diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs, and possibly physical therapy if the injury requires rehabilitation. Prompt medical documentation will play a significant role in establishing the connection between the injury and your work.

After you’ve received medical attention for your injury, you’ll need to notify your employer of the incident.

Notify Your Employer Immediately

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, an injured worker needs to notify their employer of their injury within 20 days of the accident. Failing to notify your employer within this time frame could result in a loss of your right to workers compensation benefits. As soon as you experience neck pain or injury, you must inform your employer of the incident.

It’s important to report your injury as soon as possible, even if it seems like a minor issue. Documenting your injury and reporting it quickly is critical to starting the workers compensation process. Be clear about the details of the injury—how, when, and where it occurred—and provide any relevant information that could help your case.

You can notify your employer in person, by email, or in writing. It’s always a good idea to keep a record of your communication, whether through email or a formal written notice, as this will help establish the timeline of your injury and your reporting. If possible, get a copy of the accident report or documentation that confirms you informed your employer.

After you notify your employer of your injury, you may be asked to fill out an accident report. We’ll go into more detail on this process below.

Complete an Accident Report

In many Kansas workplaces, employers will have an accident report form that must be filled out whenever an employee sustains a work-related injury. Filling out this report is an essential part of the workers compensation process. The report will include details about how the injury happened, any witnesses, and the nature of the injury itself.

If your employer doesn’t provide an accident report form, you should create a written statement about the incident and provide it to your employer. You can request assistance from a workers compensation lawyer to make sure the report is thorough and includes all pertinent details.

Your accident report will be a key piece of evidence in your workers compensation claim. This document helps make sure that the injury is officially recorded and that there’s a clear connection between the injury and your employment. The report will also provide your employer and their insurance company with the necessary information to assess the situation and begin the claims process.

Additionally, accurate medical records can help streamline the process of filing for workers compensation and increase your odds of a positive outcome.

Keep Records of Medical Treatments

After seeking medical attention, it’s critical to keep thorough records of all medical treatments related to your neck injury. These records will be vital in supporting your workers compensation claim and establishing the severity of your injury.

Be sure to keep copies of all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and diagnostic test results. It’s also a good idea to maintain a log of any doctor appointments, physical therapy sessions, and any other treatments you undergo related to your injury.

In Kansas, workers compensation benefits may cover medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other treatments necessary to address the neck injury. The more comprehensive your medical documentation, the better your chances of receiving appropriate benefits.

Make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment. If you’re instructed to take time off work for rest or rehabilitation, be sure to follow those recommendations. Non-compliance with medical advice could potentially harm your claim, so it’s important to demonstrate that you’re taking your recovery seriously.

Once you’ve gathered all the appropriate information, it’s time to reach out to an experienced workers compensation attorney for assistance filing your claim.

File a Workers Compensation Claim

In Kansas, workers compensation claims are typically processed through the Kansas Division of Workers Compensation. Your employer or their insurance carrier may also handle the claim submission.

Kansas workers compensation laws require that your employer report the injury to their insurance carrier, which will then assess whether to accept or deny the claim. You’ll typically need to complete a claim form, which will include details of the injury, your medical treatment, and other relevant information. Your employer should provide you with assistance in filing this claim.

If your employer is uncooperative or doesn’t file the claim with the insurance carrier, you may have to file the claim on your own. You can find the necessary forms and instructions on the Kansas Division of Workers Compensation’s website, or you can consult with a workers compensation attorney to make sure your claim is filed correctly.

Your attorney can also help you explore the types of benefits you may receive from workers compensation.

Know the Types of Benefits Available

Workers compensation in Kansas is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured while performing work-related duties. The types of benefits you may be eligible for after a neck injury include:

• Medical benefits: Coverage for medical treatment related to your injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.

• Temporary disability benefits: If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits are generally a percentage of your average weekly wage, and they continue until you’re able to return to work or until your condition stabilizes.

• Permanent disability benefits: If your neck injury results in long-term impairment, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are designed to compensate you for the lasting effects of the injury and the impact it has on your ability to work.

• Vocational rehabilitation benefits: If your neck injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. This can include retraining for a new job or assistance with job placement in a role that is suitable given your condition.

• Death benefits: In the unfortunate event of a fatal work-related injury, the surviving family members of the deceased worker may be entitled to death benefits, including funeral expenses and financial support for dependents.

The exact benefits you qualify for will depend on the specifics of your injury and your situation. You should consult with a workers compensation lawyer to determine what benefits are available to you.

As you file for workers compensation, be sure to prioritize your health. The right lawyer will aim to make the process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on recovery and feel more empowered to return to work.

Prepare for a Return to Work

Once you’ve received the necessary medical treatment and have reached a point in your recovery where you can return to work, it’s important to communicate with your employer about any necessary accommodations.

In Kansas, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with work-related injuries, which may include modified duties or adjusted work hours. If you’re unable to return to your previous position, vocational rehabilitation services may be available to help you transition to a new job.

Before returning to work, make sure that you’ve received approval from your healthcare provider. Your doctor may provide you with specific instructions regarding lifting limits, posture adjustments, or other physical restrictions to prevent further injury. These recommendations should be shared with your employer so they can make the necessary adjustments.

Contact an Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney

A neck injury can have significant consequences for both your health and your livelihood. By staying informed and following the necessary steps, you can handle the workers compensation process more effectively and focus on your recovery. Serving all of Kansas, our firm aims to help clients skillfully manage any challenges associated with workers compensation. Contact Slape & Howard today for assistance pursuing the appropriate compensation for your neck injury.