No one wants to go through the suffering that comes from working through an injury. But minor injuries like scrapes, cuts, bruises, and strains may not inhibit your ability to work effectively or acquire a regular paycheck. Since workers comp claim limits also consider that some injuries aren’t eligible for compensation, skipping the application process entirely might be in your best interests if you get an okay from a doctor. Here’s what you can keep in mind if you’re considering working through a minor injury with your doctor’s approval.
Pro: The Injury Could Heal Quicker
Some experts say that light exercise might even heal an injury faster, particularly for strain or tendon injuries. You don’t have to stay home and you can do some light carrying, minor lifting, walking, and of course, administrative or desk work. Should you decide to pursue workman’s compensation too soon, you may find yourself investing too much energy in the process only to find out an injury you thought was severe wasn’t as consequential as you thought. That’s why it’s always better to go to a doctor to learn the extent of your injuries.
Pro: You Would Make More Money
The way workman’s compensation works, you’ll earn up to 2/3 of your wages, meaning you get more money for working. Of course, serious injuries or those that a doctor says need rest should stop you from continuing to work. But for minor muscle strains, bruises, and contact injuries, you may need only a break, and even then a day. Often, the decision comes down to pain. If you can move at work without feeling pain, even though you may be eligible, you might consider either switching jobs altogether, or taking an extended break for a good while.
Pro: You’ll Become Stronger and More Confident
On confidence, MindBodyGreen says that figuring out where your lack of confidence comes from is key to building more. Could it be because you haven’t exposed yourself to enough discomfort needed to grow? It’s possible because working through discomfort will make you feel stronger and more confident. You’ll always be reminded of how much effort you exerted during a time when you might have doubted yourself, even if there are challenges. While some days may be more challenging than others, each day you persevere will lead you to feel even more optimistic about the future.
Con: You May Aggravate the Injury
Many injuries like sprains, breaks, fractures, and injuries that draw extensive blood, will require significant time off of work. Maybe even a permanent resignation. An injury of this magnitude would most likely be red-flagged by a doctor who wouldn’t want you to return to work. Further aggravating the injury can bring about unbearable pain in the workplace that requires emergency treatment. If you think the injury may get worse, you might want to consider either disability or workman’s compensation, either of which will keep you comfortable during your time away from work.
Con: You Might Get Fewer Hours
Even if you are able to work through an injury, your supervisor may take sympathy for you. A boss or supervisor might notice that you’re moving slower with the injury. Or, perhaps they witness the injury and don’t think you can work until it’s healed. In such an event, it may be best to trust the outside opinion of someone who’s monitored your work. If they feel you should work fewer hours, it may be for the greater good. Better to get healed quickly than risk exacerbating the injury even more.
Con: Your Employer May See You as a Liability
On the other hand, your employer may not want you in the building. So, working with a minor injury could cause resentment to build in your relationship, as your employer is supposed to be there to look out for your best interests. If your employer sees you as a liability, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll immediately ask you to leave. Why force your boss to live with the regret of seeing your work? Maybe you should consider a break.
Whether you choose to work with a minor injury or choose to stay home instead, a workman’s compensation and disability will always be reserved for injuries that keep you from gainful employment. If you want to make money, staying at work is the key. But if the pain is too great, sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do, even if it means walking away from a job you enjoy.
