We’ve all been there. You’re out enjoying a day with friends or family, and suddenly you hear that dreaded pop and feel intense pain in your ankle. Now what? Injuries can happen to anyone, anytime. And when they do, it’s important to know what to do.
No one is indestructible, no matter how careful you are. Being injured is never fun, but it’s incredibly frustrating when it happens outside of work, and you have to figure out what to do on your own time and dime.
If you need more help, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer Oshawa or in your area. They can answer any questions and help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to understand your rights and seek experienced legal help. An attorney can review the facts of your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. And remember, always err on the side of caution – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Here are ten tips for what to do when you’re injured outside of work:
Tip #1: Apply First Aid Immediately
Many people would rather “walk it off,” but this is not a good idea. It’s important to apply first aid as soon as possible to prevent further injury. Why? Applying first aid would help you minimize injury and any future complications.
Imagine if you “walk it off,” and your ankle swells up so much that you can’t put any pressure on it. This could have been prevented had you applied for first aid right away.
Tip #2: Reach Out to a Friend or Family Member
You may be tempted to tough it out, but this is not a good idea. Reaching out to a friend or family member for support is essential. If you realize that you can’t give first aid by yourself, or if you are in too much pain, reach out to someone who can help. It’s important to have someone there to care for you and ensure you get the help you need.
Tip #3: Go to the Hospital or Urgent Care
If the pain is severe, it’s important to go to the hospital or urgent care. This is especially important if you think you may have fractured a bone. People often wait too long to get help, which can cause complications. Don’t hesitate to get the medical attention you need.
Tip #4: Keep a Record of Your Injury and Treatment
If you have to go to the hospital or see a doctor, keep a record of everything. This includes the date of the injury, what happened, and all treatments you receive. This will be important if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. Plus, your employer will want to know what happened.
Tip #5: Notify Your Employer
You don’t want to lose your job because you were injured outside of work. Right? So, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible. They may have a process for you to follow and will likely want you to complete some paperwork.
But it’s better to be safe than sorry. Imagine if you didn’t notify your employer in time and your injury worsened. You could be out of a job and without insurance. So, make sure you follow the proper procedures and notify your employer right away.
Tip #6: File an Insurance Claim
If you have insurance, you’ll want to file a claim as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you’re covered for any medical expenses. Ensure you have all the required information and documentation before filing a claim. If you’re not sure what you need, reach out to your insurance company, and they will be able to help you.
Tip #7: Get Rest and Take it Easy
Your body needs time to heal. So, getting plenty of rest and taking it easy is important. This doesn’t mean you have to stay in bed all day, but you shouldn’t be doing anything too strenuous. Too much activity can delay your recovery. Listen to your body and give it the rest it deserves.
Tip #8: Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Your doctor knows what’s best for you and your injury. So, it’s vital to follow their orders. This includes taking medications as prescribed and going to all scheduled appointments. If you don’t follow your doctor’s orders, you could delay your recovery or worsen your injury.
Tip #9: Don’t Return to Work Too Soon
You may be tempted to return to work too soon, but this is not a good idea. If you do, you could worsen your injury or delay your recovery. Make sure you wait until your doctor clears you to return to work. Otherwise, you could end up back where you started or worse.
Tip #10: Seek Legal Help If Necessary
You might be entitled to compensation if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
