Question by Anonymous:
I got hurt at work was advised by (Urgent Care) that there is nothing further more that they can do for me and the Doc believes I am too young for surgery, so my company just released me back to full duty with no imaging completed, just 6 weeks of PT. I am still in so much pain and my job requires frequent lifting and moving patients in emergency situations so I risk injuring myself further, my patients and my partner. I am worried that my company doesn’t really give a damn and they are not listening.
Answer:
I hear you, being forced back to work while in pain is frustrating, especially in a high-stakes job like emergency patient care. It’s shocking that a company in this field wouldn’t prioritize your health, but it happens too often. Here are some steps you can take and some advice to protect yourself:
Document Everything
Treat this like your case depends on it, because it might! Log your pain using the OPQRST method (Onset, Provoke, Quality, Radiation, Severity). Bet you didnt think you would be using an acronym from your medical training to document your own injury! Note all interactions with your physical therapist, management, workers’ comp, and risk/safety. Keep your own records; don’t rely on doctors or PTs to document for you.
Report to Risk & Safety
Yes, immediately email your risk/safety department (or HR if you dont have a risk and safety department) about your ongoing pain, how it affects lifting patients, and risks to yourself, patients, and coworkers. Mention the pain persists despite full-duty clearance and request a second opinion, asking for a list of approved providers. This record is vital for escalation..
– Get a second opinion. If your employer or workers’ comp doesn’t provide a provider list, seek another doctor yourself (possibly out-of-pocket). Be clear about ongoing or worsening pain and push for imaging (e.g., MRI, X-ray) to document your injury.
Contact Workers Compensation Insurance Directly
Don’t rely on your company to play messenger. Contact your workers compensation insurance yourself and let them know about the conversation with your employer, the findings from your second opinion and let them know you are still in pain.
Request Accommodations
Email your manager and risk/safety team to request light duty or lift assistance. Highlight safety risks to patients and coworkers. If light duty isn’t available and you can’t safely work, you may qualify for temporary wage replacement (e.g., 66 2/3% of your average monthly wage in Nevada).
Contact an Attorney
If your employer or insurer dismisses your concerns or pressures you to work, contact a workers’ compensation attorney. Many offer free consultations.
Don’t let your employer guilt you into silence, your role is too critical. Drop more questions in the HR Exposed inbox for further advice. This is informational only, not legal or medical advice. Consult a workers’ compensation attorney or doctor for specific guidance. HR Exposed supports employees, not employers.
