Going to the doctor is routine for many. However, when you’re not feeling well, whether it’s due to an injury or illness, it can be anxiety-inducing. For railroad workers, this trip can be life-altering, as many employees can sustain chronic injuries and illnesses from their jobs. As such, it’s critical to ensure you give your doctor all the necessary information so they can treat you properly. Additionally, this is critical to ensuring you are legally protected in the event you wish to file a claim with the assistance of an experienced FELA lawyer. Keep reading to discover what information you should share with your provider.
What Kind of Injuries and Illnesses Can Arise from Work on the Railroads?
Unfortunately, there are many injuries and illnesses that railroad workers can experience. Though job sites are safer now in comparison to decades ago, negligence on behalf of your employer can lead to several physical conditions. Accidents can and do happen, as you are faced with a number of hazards while on duty. These risks include exposure to harmful substances, intense vibrations, and working with heavy machinery.
Unfortunately, the following injuries and illnesses can impact those who work on the nation’s railways:
- Cancer
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Scleroderma
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Limb loss
- Head, neck, and spine damage
- Disfigurement
- Death
What Information is Important to Share With the Doctor?
If you are injured or have fallen ill due to your time on the railroad, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to understand that if you wish to file a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claim, you only have three years from the accident date to do so. If you developed an illness due to prolonged exposure to a harmful substance, you will have three years from the date you received a diagnosis and knew or should have known that the diagnosis was caused by your work.
When meeting with your doctor, it’s important to share as much information about your illness or injury as possible. Not only should you share your symptoms, pain levels, and medical history, but you’ll also want to give your doctor information about your job. This includes substances you regularly come into contact with, how long you’ve been exposed to them, and how often you encounter them. Additionally, if you sustained an injury, you’ll want to inform your doctor of the equipment you handle, any specific movements you must make while working, and how long the pain has lasted.
Not only is complete transparency with your doctor essential to ensuring you get the most effective treatment possible, but it will also allow your doctor to document the symptoms you’re experiencing. This can help provide evidence when you file your FELA claim.
If you’ve been injured or fallen ill due to the negligence of your railroad employer, you are likely entitled to compensation. At Doran & Murphy, our dedicated team understands how devastating these matters can be. Our dedicated and compassionate team will do everything possible to fight for you during these complex times. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you.
