Regardless of your profession, you can suffer bone breaks at work. Common causes include slips and falls, equipment malfunctions, falling objects, and vehicle crashes.
If you are on the job when you break a bone or a bone fracture, you can make a workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ compensation insurance will pay for your medical care in New York.
Bone Breaks – Know the Symptoms
Sometimes, it’s obvious you have a broken bone. The pain might be so severe that you’re certain you’ve broken a bone or a portion of the bone might come through the skin.
However, it’s not always clear that a bone has been broken. You might think you only have a sprain or a strain when it’s really a broken bone. Look for signs like the inability to move the injured body part.
Severe swelling and pain are also signs of bone breaks. Seek medical treatment immediately if you think you have a broken bone. Failing to treat the broken bone in a timely fashion can prevent the bone from healing correctly.
Diagnosing Bone Breaks
Bone breaks can usually be diagnosed with X-rays. However, if the X-ray doesn’t pick up the break, you might need an MRI or bone scan. A CT scan is another option.
Your doctor will talk to you about the diagnostic testing options and explain which one is the right choice for you.
Treatment for Bone Breaks
Workers’ compensation allows you to get the treatment you need for broken bones. Treatment is broken up into two categories. You will require immobilization or orthopedic surgery, or both.
Immobilization ensures the bones stay in proper alignment while healing. Splints, braces, and casts are typically used for immobilization. However, if the break is severe, you might require a traction system. The system uses weights and pulleys that push the bones into the proper location.
Orthopedic surgery is needed when the bone cannot be realigned with immobilization. An orthopedic surgeon might use plates and screws to maintain the bone’s position.
Your orthopedic doctor has to an authorized NYS Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) medical provider to be able to be reimbursed for treatment of your work-related injuries and be able to submit proper reports in the WCB.
Making a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The workers’ compensation process is relatively straight forward in New York. The process begins by notifying your employer. You might have to notify your direct supervisor or go to human resources.
The injury needs to be reported within 30 days of the injury. However, it’s not advisable to wait to report bone breaks. Report the injury as soon as you know that you have a broken bone.
Your employer will have paperwork on hand to file the workers’ compensation claim. Your employer will likely fill this out for you since bone breaks are painful, making it difficult to concentrate.
After the paperwork is finished, you can go to the doctor. Tell the doctor that you have filed a workers’ compensation claim and need treatment for a workplace accident. The doctor will treat your fracture and bill the workers’ compensation insurance company.
Seek Medical Treatment for Bone Breaks
You don’t have to pay out of your pocket when you have a workers’ compensation claim, so there is no reason to delay treatment. Go to a NY workers’ compensation doctor to get treatment for your bone break. Your doctor will help you heal so you can get back to work promptly. If you need help finding an experienced workers’ compensation doctor in New York, call (888) 590-4030 today.
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