Work injury with delayed symptoms can be devastating, with life-altering long-term consequences. Workplace injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to major injuries that may necessitate long-term treatment or disability. It is critical to understand the various types of work injuries, as well as the delayed symptoms, causes, and treatments available to aid in recovery.
What are work-related injuries?
Work-related injuries are any injuries or illnesses that occur as a result of activities performed during the course of employment or on company-owned property. These can be physical injuries, psychological injuries, or both. They can be caused by single personal tasks or by repeated exposure to a hazardous working environment. Work-related health damage can range from minor scrapes and bruises to significant trauma, such as broken bones and nerve damage. Workers’ compensation insurance covers most on-the-job injuries.
Examples of Delayed Symptoms of Occupational Injuries
The symptoms of a work-related injury can differ depending on the type of injury and its severity. Injuries caused by a single event, such as a fall or a car accident, can result in immediate pain and disability. Injuries caused by repeated exposure to a hazardous working environment may not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to long-term health problems. The following are some of the most common delayed symptoms of occupational injuries:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of balance
Causes of Work Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
A work-related injury can result from a single occurrence or repeated exposure to a hazardous working environment. The following are some of the most common causes of work-related injuries with persistent symptoms:
- Repetitive motion
- Overexertion
- Heavy lifting
- Sitting in one position for long periods
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Working in extreme temperatures
- Slips, trips, and falls
Types of Work Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
Some of the most common types of work-related health problems with delayed symptoms include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – The most common causes of TBIs include work-related accidents like falls. When a person suffers a TBI, the area of the brain that controls the symptoms of that particular condition may not work as well as it used to.
- Sprains – Sprains injuries result in damage to muscles and tendons
- Back and Neck Injuries – are often the result of lifting something too heavy or sitting in the same position all day.
- Strains – Strains can cause damage to the bone tissues and ligaments.
- Fractures – occur in the hip, ribs, and limb bones, especially in fatal fall accidents.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – This can happen due to repetitive stress on the wrist due to work activities requiring many hand movements, such as construction, manufacturing, or carpentry.
- Heat and cold stress – Heat and cold stress can result in serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, acute dehydration, and kidney disease.
- Chemical burns – Chemical burns are caused by exposure to strong acids, alkalis, caustics, alcohols, oils, greases, solvents, and other harmful substances. They mainly affect the hands, feet, face, and eyes.
- Tendonitis – Tendons are susceptible to overuse injuries, especially if you lift something too heavy or do activities that stress the tendons beyond their capacity.
- Cumulative trauma disorders – CTDs are caused by activities that require the same movements or stresses over and over. These include the following:
- Repetitive movements or bending
- Handling heavy objects
- Working in one position for long periods
- Standing for extended periods
- Operating vibrating machinery
- Working in a very cold or hot environment
Other injuries resulting from occupational accidents include spinal cord injuries and nerve damage.
Diagnosing Work-Related Injuries
Diagnosis of a work-related injury can be difficult because symptoms can be delayed or absent. Some symptoms may not appear for several weeks or months after the injury. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A physical examination, x-rays, and other tests to determine the type of injury are commonly used to diagnose workplace injuries.
Medical Treatment Options for Work Injuries
Treatment for a work-related injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. Medical treatment options may include:
- Rest – A patient with injuries resulting from workplace accidents may be required to stay off work for a while to rest appropriately and relieve the body of accumulated stress and tension.
- Physical therapy – Physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Medications – Medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery – Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue or bones.
In some cases, the injury may require long-term treatment by combining two or more medical treatment options.
Workers’ Compensation for Workplace Injuries
The majority of employers offer workers’ compensation for work-related health injuries. The amount of pay varies depending on the employer. Understanding your employer’s workers’ compensation policy and any additional coverage you may require is critical. Medical expenses lost wages, and disability benefits are common components of workers’ compensation for workplace injuries.
Work-related Injury Treatment At Neuro Injury Care Institute in Brooklyn, NY
The Neuro Injury Care Institute provides neurological care and treatment in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, and Long Island.
Although anyone can be injured while working, some jobs are more dangerous than others. The Neuro Injury Care Institute offers workers’ comp neurology services to workers from all industries. We provide comprehensive and personalized treatment for job-related injuries to aid healing after an accident, regardless of your line of work.
We offer long-term care planning for those whose injuries result in incapacity or long-term neurological damage. This allows you to regain your independence and improve your standard of living. At the Neuro Injury Care Institute, we treat injured workers from the following industries, which are known to have the highest number of work-related injuries:
- Freight, stock, and material movers and handlers
- Semi-truck drivers
- Retail workers
- Laborers
- Repair and maintenance employees
If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury, contact the Neuro Injury Care Institute in Brooklyn, NY, for a comprehensive neurological evaluation and treatment plan. Or doctors accept workers’ compensation, no-fault, PIP (personal injury protection), and other health insurance plans.
Call (347) 602-9530 or email info@neuroinjurycare.com to book an appointment with us!
