People are staying in the workforce longer and putting off retirement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest-growing segment of the working population includes people aged 65 and older. Older Ohioans play a significant role in the state’s workforce, with many returning to work, even after they officially retire.
Contrary to some common misperceptions, older workers bring value to their organizations with their experience, reliability, and work ethic. Nevertheless, these individuals often face uphill battles when getting remuneration for their work-related injuries. If you are close to retirement age and get hurt on the job, you might face some challenges when filing your worker’s comp claim. A worker’s compensation attorney can defend your rights as an employee and assist you in getting the reimbursement you need.
Older Workers Incur Higher Medical Expenses
The older we get, the greater our risk for injury, and this is no different in the workplace. Also, when older people get hurt, their injuries tend to be more severe, requiring more expensive medical treatment. More serious injuries often mean a higher number of workers’ comp claims, which some employers might use as an excuse not to pay these benefits. Knowing a workers’ comp lawyer nearby can be helpful if you should run into this kind of resistance.
Increased Stress Injuries with Age
Some injuries are sudden and dramatic, while others result from cumulative stress and repeated movements over several years. It can be more challenging to receive workers’ comp benefits for cumulative stress injuries because it can be hard to identify when they first started or whether they are related to your work.
However, a cumulative stress injury is nothing minor; it’s something you should take seriously. When you first notice any strain, make a note of when it started and how it affects you and your work ability. Also, notify your employer about your injury and have your doctor examine it. Prompt reporting can add validity to your claim and make it easier to get your compensation.
Chronic Conditions and Prior Injuries
For many people, advanced age and chronic conditions go hand in hand. Older adults are at greater risk for long-term illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also, an injury you suffered years ago can still haunt you today. Chronic illnesses and past wounds can increase your likelihood of getting hurt on the job.
The good news is that you are still entitled to worker’s compensation benefits even if a preexisting condition aggravated your work-related injury. For example, if arthritis in your knee causes pain when you have to stand for several hours, you still deserve compensation. The key is to show that you were hurt while performing your job. Also, reporting your injury in a timely manner can reduce the opposition you might get from your employer.
Are There Worker’s Compensation Attorneys In Cincinnati?
There are several qualified attorneys in Cincinnati and the tri-state area who care about the health and well-being of older workers. These lawyers also understand that, although advanced age makes workplace injuries more common, that fact does not disqualify you from receiving the compensation to which you are entitled.
If you are trying to collect workers’ comp benefits and get resistance from your employer, contact a workers’ comp attorney. A good lawyer will defend your rights and help you get the remuneration you need to recover from your injuries and return to work as soon as possible.