In 2017 alone, over 2.8 million workers were injured on the job.

If you’ve sustained an injury at work, it’s easy to feel that you’re alone. If it’s any solace, there are millions of workers across the country nursing various injuries.

However, each injured worker’s specific circumstances are different. Some were injured as a result of their own negligence, and others were injured as a result of an employer’s negligence.

But regardless of your specific situation, one thing is certain: an injury can put you out of work for a long time. So, what if you can’t return to work after an injury?

Here’s a quick guide on what to do.

Keep Getting Treatment

If you’re unable to return to work after an injury, you’ve certainly not recovered fully.

Sure, being out of work can be frustrating and anxiety-inducing. Perhaps you’re worried that your colleagues are striding ahead without you or that your position is at risk.

Your fears are understandable, but your health comes first. You can always start pursuing your career afresh, but your health? You might not be able to recover it.

As such, it’s important to keep getting your treatment. If you were injured in a road accident while on work duties, keep seeing your car accident doctor. If you fell at work and broke a leg, keep seeing the chiropractor.

File for Workers’ Compensation

The law requires employers to purchase workers’ comp insurance. This compensates workers who’re injured in the line of duty.

As you continue with your recovery, be sure to file for workers’ compensation. Consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer to help you estimate the value of your injuries and losses, as well as file a claim on your behalf.

Getting legal representation is incredibly important because your employer’s insurer can reject your claim or offer to settle for far less than you justly deserve. A lawyer will know the correct steps to take in the event of such an outcome.

Time to Switch Careers?

A workplace injury can leave you permanently disabled or needing treatment for several years.

When this is the case, it might be wise to stop holding onto the prospect that you will one day get back to your job. If it’s evident you might not be able to recover fully, it’s never too late to think of switching careers.

If your injury leaves you relying on a wheelchair and you were, say a driver, you might not get back to driving again. Why not look for a job that isn’t physical? For instance, if you’re a good writer, you can find an online writing job.

Alternatively, you can move into self-employment and start your own small business. If you’ve enough startup capital and good business idea, you can hire someone to take care of the physical tasks.

Can’t Return to Work After Injury? It’s Not the End

No one is 100 percent safe from a workplace injury. If the unfortunate happens and you get injured on the job, take your time to get treatment and heal.

But if it’s apparent you can’t return to work after an injury, know that it’s not the end of your productive life. Besides seeking compensation from your past employer, you can switch careers and start all over again.

Best wishes and keep coming back to our blog for more helpful tips.