Aug 13, 2021
Why Do Work Injuries Go Unreported?
Nate Hansford
Injuries in the workplace happen far too often, but what is even more startling is the fact that many workplace injuries go unreported. By not reporting a workplace injury, an employee cannot file a workers’ compensation claim in order to receive benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. Here are a few of the most common reasons why employees may hesitate to report workplace injuries.
Self-Diagnosing Injuries
It’s imperative to remember that not all injuries immediately show symptoms or cause pain and discomfort. For instance, traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue injuries oftentimes have delayed symptoms that may not be apparent until days or weeks after a workplace accident. Therefore, workers should never assume that an injury isn’t serious enough to require medical attention, report the incident, and file a workers’ compensation claim.
Fear of Retaliation
Fear of negative consequences is one of the most common reasons why work injuries go unreported. Workers may be scared of being disciplined at work in several ways, such as being given a less-desirable shift, being moved to a lower-paying position, or even being terminated. While there is no direct law protecting injured workers from being terminated in Georgia, you may still be entitled to benefits. Make sure to contact a workers’ comp attorney if this happens.
Thinking It Was Their Fault
Many workers in Georgia are under the impression that they can’t receive workers’ compensation benefits if they are responsible for the accident that caused their workplace injury. However, the workers’ compensation system in Georgia operates on a no-fault rule, meaning that it does not matter whose fault the accident was. If an employee was injured during the scope of their employment, they are eligible to successfully file a workers’ comp claim.
Complicated Reporting Process
While employers have a duty to educate workers on how to report workplace accidents and injuries, it’s a sad reality that many workers in Georgia are still unsure of how the process works. They may not know what injuries require reporting or how to properly submit an injury report. Some workplaces even purposefully do not educate employees on this process or have incentive programs that reward employees and supervisors for reducing workplace injury rates. They may do this in order to try and hide unsafe work practices.
Injured at Work?
If you have been injured on the job, no matter how minor the injury seems, you should always report it to your employer immediately and get medical attention. Then, your next step should be to contact our Atlanta workers’ comp attorneys. Our team will stop at nothing to help you get the benefits you are rightfully owed. Let us take the burden off of your shoulders so you can focus on getting better.
Are you ready to get started with a free case evaluation? Contact us today at 770-922-3660 or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
