Worker's Comp Dos and Don'ts

I know I haven't posted much lately. Work has been unusually busy. I think I can sum up much of the last month with this post.

Worker's Comp Dos and Don'ts:

DO believe the nurse and HR wants to help you if you are legitimately injured on the job.
DON'T think you have to fake an injury to get the help you need.

DO report an injury when it happens.
DON'T file an accident report saying you have been hurting for 4 months, request to see the worker's comp doctor and tell him, "Oh, I don't know for sure that I hurt myself at work. Work just makes me tired, and I want some muscle relaxers."

DO be honest about your injury.
DON'T change your story, and when you are confronted with your previous statement say, "Well, that's not what I meant."

DO see the on-site nurse as soon as possible after you are injured.
DON'T go see your chiropractor and get an "adjustment" and then file for worker's comp when he ruptures your disc.

DO keep all your doctor's appointments.
DON'T tell the nurse you didn't go because "something came up" TWICE!

DO follow the nurse's treatment plan.
DON'T say you need more NSAIDs for your tennis elbow because you spread gravel on your driveway this weekend.

DO realize you have some responsibility in taking care of your body and preventing work place accidents.
DON'T be surprised when the nurse tells you that your knees hurt in part because you are 5 feet tall and weigh 280 pounds.

DO realize as you age shit begins to hurt.
DON'T think you are entitled to a life with no pain (no matter what Joint Commission says.)

I think that just about covers it for now.