If you’ve been injured at work, it can feel as though you need to pursue some sort of recourse. At the same time, injuries of all kinds can be surprising and put you off balance, making it harder to make decisions in the moment and even weeks following your injury. After all, if you’re facing a serious change in your life or need medical attention, this takes priority rather than pursuing litigation. Here are five things to keep in mind following a workplace accident, particularly if you’ve lost your hearing.

1. Consult with a lawyer about your hearing loss.

If you’re injured on the job, it can be helpful to consult with a lawyer to see whether or not it makes sense to pursue your employer for additional damages. Sometimes, employer negligence can contribute to workplace accidents, so if you think that you’re not at fault for your hearing loss, talking to a legal team can help determine how much of a case you have. Most workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers in the United States will offer you a free consultation before taking on your case. This can give you an idea of how you might pay for a lawyer in the first place, as well as what sort of damages you may be able to sue for. It’s best to go with a local professional by carrying out a quick Google search of “workers compensation lawyer Raleigh NC” – or wherever you live – to link up with someone who can help you out.

2. Get a hearing screening.

A hearing screening has multiple benefits if you’re experiencing hearing loss following an accident. For starters, a hearing screen can help you determine how serious your condition is and whether there’s any permanent damage as a result of your injury. Beyond establishing a benchmark for your health, this sort of screening could come into play if and when you press charges against your employer since it can help you explain what damages you’re facing in the short and long-term. Head to a reputable provider like hearinghealthusa.com to get your ears checked out.

3. Address any hearing problems you may now face.

Once you’ve gotten a diagnosis, it’s time to look for remedies. In some cases, hearing aids or special surgery can help to address your new hearing problems. If these are expensive to cover and you’re worried about paying for care that’s necessary, this is another reason to consider pursuing legal action. Having your employer cover these medical expenses can be crucial in getting back to normal as much as is possible.

4. Fill out the appropriate paperwork with your employer.

Depending on your industry, there may also be paperwork that you need to file with your employer in order to qualify for certain workers’ compensation benefits. For example, some of the most common expenses that require coverage via workers’ compensation that an injured worker might file for include wage replacement and medical treatment. In some situations, you may even qualify for job rehabilitation programs that help you get properly equipped to start work again.

5. Take it easy on yourself.

Dealing with an unexpected injury can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. Especially if this injury is going to adversely affect your career path, chosen vocation, or ability to earn as much money over your lifetime – you can easily go to a dark place very quickly. Make sure to practice self-care following your hearing loss accident, and even consider talking to a therapist to help you adjust to your new normal. It could wind up making a world of difference in your recovery and outlook on life.