The Invisible Load: How Workplace Injuries Affect Moms’ Mental Load

By Linda L. Malkin, Esq.

As a mom, I know the feeling of constantly being pulled in every direction. Between my career as an attorney, raising my kids, keeping up with their school and sports schedules, and trying (and often failing) to carve out time for myself, there are days when I feel like I am holding everything together with a single paperclip.

And yet, I see the same thing reflected in the stories of my clients, especially fellow moms. When they are injured at work, they often tell me:

“I didn’t have time to go to the doctor.”

“I thought it would get better with time.”

“I didn’t report it because I didn’t want to cause trouble.”

These women are hardworking, loyal, and dedicated. They are the type of employees who show up early, stay late, and never want to burden their coworkers or managers. Those same qualities that make them excellent employees can also make them vulnerable when a workplace injury occurs.

When the Caregiver Needs Care

When a mom gets injured at work, her first instinct is rarely, “I need to take care of myself.” More often, it is, “Who’s going to take care of everything else?”

That “everything else” is the never ending to do list of laundry, dinner, kids’ homework, grocery shopping, shuffling kids between sports and dance, and on and on. It is the invisible load. Moms often feel guilty for needing care themselves, and that guilt can lead to hesitation in promptly reporting a work injury or seeking medical treatment for that injury.

Here is the truth I share with my clients: delaying care does not make you stronger, it often makes recovery harder. Moreover, in the world of workers’ compensation, early reporting of your injury strongly impacts the credibility of your claim.

Why Early Reporting Matters

I know how easy it is to push through pain, convincing yourself it will go away. However, in my years of handling workers’ compensation cases, I have seen how those first few days can determine the outcome of an entire case.

When a workplace injury is not promptly reported, employers and insurance companies often question whether the injury really occurred at work.

Memories fade, witnesses move on, and medical records do not always document all the initial pain if treatment was delayed. Early reporting establishes credibility and ensures details are correctly documented. Reporting a workplace injury is not being dramatic, you are protecting your rights and your health.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Just as importantly, early medical intervention aids in your recovery from a workplace injury. A minor ache that is ignored can develop into a chronic condition.

I often remind my clients: you would not ignore your child if they came to you in pain, so why ignore your own pain? Healing is not selfish, it is necessary. You cannot care for your family, perform well at work, carry the invisible load or maintain your sanity if you are pushing through untreated pain.

Breaking the Cycle of “I’ll Be Fine”

I get it, when you are already carrying the invisible load, and a workplace injury enters the picture, your load does not lighten, it doubles.

Sadly, instead of asking for help, the reaction I often see is skipped medical appointments because they cannot miss work, or “walking off” injuries because they think they do not deserve time to rest. As a mom, as a lawyer, I can assure you, ignoring a workplace injury does not protect your family or your job, it risks both.

Why a Female Attorney Can Make a Difference

I often tell my clients that having an attorney who not only knows the law but also understands the emotional realities of motherhood can make a real difference. I have stood in your shoes.  I am a working mom who worries about missing work, who juggles deadlines and dinner, and who puts everyone else’s needs first.

Because of that, I approach every case with empathy and practicality. I know the importance of communication, documentation, and advocacy. I know how to explain your situation in a way that makes sense to insurance adjusters, defense attorneys and to hearing officers and members of the Industrial Accident Board.

Workplace injuries do not just affect your body, they impact your family routines and the invisible load that you are undeniably carrying. But you do not have to carry it all alone. 

If you have been injured at work, report it. Seek treatment. Take the time to heal. You can still be the amazing, loving mom you are, but you will be doing it from a place of health and strength.

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At Kimmel Carter, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through the Delaware Personal Injury process. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call us for a free legal consultation. Call or Text (302) 565-6100.