What are signs that a workplace injury has become infected?

If you suffer a workplace injury that involves a significant cut or laceration, it is important to seek immediate medical care. In many cases, appropriate treatment allows the wound to begin healing quickly so that you can return to work. Your workers’ comp benefits may only need to cover the initial medical bills and a short period of lost wages.

In other cases, however, the injury may become infected. This can make the situation much more serious and may keep you out of work longer. It can also increase costs, as additional medical treatment may be required. So what are some signs that a workplace injury has become infected?

Common signs and symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of a wound infection include:

• Fluid or pus coming from the wound
• Increased pain over time
• Swelling, which may also cause mobility issues, such as trouble bending a joint
• Red streaks extending away from the initial injury
• General redness, tenderness and warmth around the injury
• Swollen lymph nodes, indicating the body is trying to fight an infection
• Fever-related symptoms, such as a high temperature, chills or night sweats

The final two symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and signs of illness, often indicate that the infection is more serious. At this point, your body is doing more than healing the initial wound and is actively fighting an infection. This is when it is critical to see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

If you suffered a serious workplace injury that became infected, it is also important to understand your options for seeking workers’ comp benefits at this critical time.