A Guide for Medical Offices: When Is an Injury Considered Work-Related?

Medical records are a crucial part of a workers’ compensation claim in New York. Any issues with them can lead to delays or denials.

But how do you know whether their injury is actually part of their job? Many common injuries can happen at any time, so it’s difficult to know if it’s actually work-related. Here are a few ways to tell when you’re dealing with a work injury and what to ask your patient if you need more clarity on the accident’s details.

When Is An Injury Work-Related?

Injuries are considered work-related when your patient’s accident actually happened during their shift or while doing something on behalf of their employer. This could range from lifting equipment to walking on a slippery floor in the office.

That said, not every case is straightforward. There are a few exceptions where your injury may not be eligible for workers’ comp, such as:

• Intentional self-harm
• Severe intoxication
• Deliberately ignoring a company’s policies

Always ask your patient to explain how the injury happened, where it occurred, and what they were doing at the time of the accident. Having accurate information from the start reduces claim delays and billing issues.

Questions To Ask Your Patients

During the initial evaluation, it’s crucial to gain more clarity about your patient’s injuries. It helps your staff obtain the information they need and determine whether the applicant’s medical condition qualifies for workers’ comp.

A few questions to ask might be:

• How did the injury happen?
• Where did the accident occur?
• Have you received treatment for this before?
• What were you doing at the time of the accident?
• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have you reported your injury to your employer?

What Are The Most Common Work Injuries?

A work-related injury can come in many forms. This is why it’s so important to evaluate each patient’s condition uniquely rather than making generalizations.

However, some work injuries are more common in medical offices than others. These are generally easy to recognize and assess on the spot.

Common conditions include:

• Slip and fall injuries
• Back and shoulder problems from lifting heavy equipment
• Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) from repetitive motions
• Cuts, burns, or crash injuries caused by tools
• Medical conditions resulting from chemical or toxic exposure

Something else to keep in mind is that not all work-related injuries happen suddenly. Some conditions develop over months or even years. Even if they’re harder to identify, they can still qualify for workers’ comp benefits.

Help Your Patients Start Their Claim The Right Way

Determining whether a patient’s injury is work-related isn’t always easy. But clear communication between your staff and patients can go a long way in making a difference. Our lawyers can explain more about how the workers’ compensation process works in New York. With the right knowledge, you can streamline the intake process and offer a better experience to your patients. Please contact our team today at 877-693-2529 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.