After a workplace injury, you may be facing time at home recovering.

For many people, being unable to work is a difficult process as they are not used to being immobile.

This can be especially difficult when you are a parent trying to care for your family both physically and financially.

Add to this the fact that insurance companies and employers often pressure workers to return to work earlier than they should and you can understand why a work injury can be stressful.

These six tips can help you recover from your injury and get you back to work as soon as you are able:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you have been injured on the job, the first thing you need to do is seek immediate medical attention.

Delaying a doctor visit could result in a workers’ compensation claim being denied.

You will need to inform your employer immediately after the injury as well. As soon as you have notified your employer, visit a walk-in clinic, emergency department or arrange to see a doctor.

You will want documentation of your injury as soon as possible.

Plus, addressing your injury immediately means that you can start your recovery process quickly and get back to your normal family life.

2. Maintain an Optimistic Attitude

As difficult as it can be for a busy parent, you must give your body time to heal.

If your recovery is taking longer than you expected, you may feel discouraged.

Spend time with family and friends who can boost your spirits, providing you with the support and encouragement that will help you remain optimistic.

There is ample evidence that a positive attitude aids in the healing process, so keeping your spirits up is one of the best ways to promote healing.

3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

It is critical that you do what your doctor tells you to do while you are healing.

If your doctor tells you that you need complete bed rest, no matter how impossible this may seem as a parent, do what they say.

Take the medications prescribed and, if therapy is recommended, attend every session. 

Not only can ignoring your doctor’s orders cause a setback in your recovery, but it may also have an impact on your workers’ compensation claim.

If your employer can prove your injury was made worse because you did not follow the doctor’s orders, your claim could be denied.

4. Recognize Your Limitations

There is a chance that you may not be able to return to the same type of work you were doing before.

This is especially true if your job was extremely physical and your injuries now require you to do less physical work.

This does not mean that you are going to lose your job. Your employer may have other positions available that are less strenuous so that you can continue working once you heal. 

If this is not the case, workers’ compensation insurance can be required to cover occupational therapy in order to train you for a different position.

5. Return to Work When Your Doctor Approves It

Don’t allow your employer or the workers’ compensation company to pressure you into returning to work before your doctor says it is safe.

Your doctor has your best interests at heart, while the insurance company has your employer’s best interests at heart.

If your doctor has not cleared you to return to work, you should not go back, even if the insurance company or your employer threatens your position.

6. Watchful Eyes

There is another reason to follow your doctor’s orders completely. Many companies hire private investigators to watch workers’ compensation claimants.

If they see you doing things you are not supposed to be doing, your workers’ compensation claim could be in jeopardy. 

For instance, if you hurt your shoulder at work and have been told not to lift over five pounds, you don’t want to be seen lifting heavy bags of mulch in your front yard or carting your little ones around.

Even if you are in pain while you are doing it, the private investigator may offer video evidence that does not show your pain, but rather that you are doing things your doctor says you cannot.

Living within physical restrictions may seem impossible as a parent, but it’s important for both your claim and your recovery that you seek support from friends and family while you heal from your injury.

7. Talk to an Attorney

As soon as you are injured on the job, you need to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney.

Hiring an attorney does not mean you plan to sue. In fact, in most states, you cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury.

An attorney will simply look out for your rights and get you the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Final Thought

The bottom line may be that you need to cease all activity in your normal life in order to facilitate your recovery.

As a parent, this can be extremely difficult. 

However, you need to do everything you can to ensure that your injury heals and that your claim remains open so your family doesn’t suffer financially.

Follow your doctor’s orders to ensure a speedy recovery.