So They Say You Have a Sprain

Many workers who are injured at work seek medical attention and are told they have a sprain or a strain injury. This is an understandable and common diagnosis for a doctor to make during a first visit. Doctors see these types of injuries regularly. Most worker compensation advocates know from experience that many union members do have a sprain or strain injury and recover within a very short period of time.

Some injured workers, however, don't get better right away. When they revisit their doctors, they may be referred to physiotherapy, where an in-depth assessment and treatment will be provided.

And sometimes, patients are referred to physicians who are specialists in their fields. They may be sent for any number and type of tests in order to assist the physician in making a more accurate diagnosis.

The results of the assessments and investigations often reveal something more sinister is going on. The patient has more than a sprain or a strain and is treated accordingly.

Why do we care when we see the diagnosis change?

As advocates, we see workers whose claims are affected by the reported original diagnosis. Insurance companies generally, and the Manitoba Workers Compensation Board (WCB) specifically, will refer to the original diagnosis when making decisions about entitlement to ongoing benefits, such as wage loss or medical aid benefits. They will say you had a strain injury and you should be recovered by now. They may conclude you have a pre-existing condition which is causing your trouble, rather than the "sprain" injury you had while working.

If you read the WCB's annual report, which will soon be tabled with government, you'll see the majority of claims accepted are described as sprains or strains. These statistics are based on what is first reported to the WCB when a claim is established. What you won't see is how many of those turned out to be something more serious.

The MFL Compensation committee thinks it's time that WCB reported the injuries as what they are - especially when the diagnosis changes based on the findings during physical assessments and investigations. This will give a more accurate figure for preventing injuries and focus joint workplace safety and health committees as well as the Workplace Safety and Health Division to where more serious injuries are occurring.

—This article provided by the MFL Compensation Committee