Workers’ Compensation Injuries: I Wish I’d Never Gone to Work That Day

Isaiah 43:18-19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

My life was filled with twists and turns, but for the most part I had a good life. Sure, I had the occasional migraine and upset stomach, but they didn’t affect my work.
 
I was proud of my work. I enjoyed it. It gave me a sense of worth that I was making some small contribution to the world.
 
But then there was the day I wish I’d never gone to work. I could’ve stayed home and called in sick like many of my co-workers did. Instead I felt I had to be the honest one, so I went any way to a training that was being held.
 
It had all happened so suddenly.
 
I went to pick up a heavy object and hurt myself. I knew immediately that something was very wrong.
 
Isn’t that they way it is with all worker-related injuries? You perform what you think is one simple task and it ends up changing your life forever.
 
How many people have lifted something heavy the wrong way and ended up with a injured back? Or perhaps they were rushing to meet a deadline and ended up being reckless and forgot safety protocols.
 
Or maybe you do everything properly at work, but on a company retreat you find yourself chasing after a blown hat and end up sliding on some rocks and landing flat on your back. That may result in back surgery or maybe a couple of back surgeries.
 
Back to wishing I’d never gone to work that day. Since what happened in the past is the past and you can’t change it no matter how much you wish you could. Whether your injury was serious or small you may:
 
Wonder if you’ll be able to do your old job.
Wonder whether you’ll be able to work at all.
Wonder if you’re making a big deal out of nothing.
Wonder what other people will think of you for getting injured and then reporting that injury.
 
There’s no use in spinning your wheels about it. Receive the medical attention you need. Focus on that first. You don’t know what the future will hold for you so try to walk one step at a time each day. The injury may teach you to be more aware of what you’re doing. And, who knows, maybe there is a better job out there than the one you had.
 
For help and information about workers’ compensation injuries take a look at the article on pissd.com titled, “Workplace Injuries: Why You Should Eliminate Guilt for Getting Help.” Most employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in just about every state. This means they are insured, and the insurance company will be paying the cost of any medical care you may need after an injury not your employer directly. Also, you shouldn’t feel fearful of retaliation from your employer. They can’t legally do that. In addition, you can help your fellow workers by your example. If the accident could’ve been prevented, your employer may take action from preventing it from happening again and this protects you and your coworkers.
 
Finally, the Bible verse above can help us to forget the former things and to now keep dwelling on the past. It’s easy after you have a workers’ compensation injury to dwell on what happened. It can be all that you think about. We must make every effort to not repeat what happened but also start believing something new is going to come of after your struggle. God is the god who sees everything. He knows what happened and will help you through the steps you have to take because of an injury and help you move forward.

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