Impact Of Injuries On Moms’ Mental Load
By Linda 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.
Why a female attorney can make a difference
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.
If you need someone in your corner who understands both the law and the life you are living, contact me at 302-565-6142, for a free consultation. Sometimes, having another mom who “gets it” can make all the difference in your recovery, inside and outside of the courtroom.
Bio
Linda Malkin has been an attorney for 10 years and started working for Kimmel, Carter, Roman, Peltz & O’Neill in 2010. Linda concentrates her practice on motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, products liability, nursing home neglect, dog bites, and work-related accidents.
Linda is a proud graduate of Saint Mark’s High School and Penn State University. Upon her graduation from Penn State, Linda began her career in law working full-time at Kimmel Carter while attending Widener University Delaware Law School at night. That experience shaped her strong work ethic and taught her the value of persistence, preparation, and compassion when advocating for injured individuals.
Following law school, she served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Family Law department for the Delaware Department of Justice. During her tenure with the Attorney General’s office, Linda gained valuable courtroom experience while managing a heavy caseload and advocating for families during difficult and emotional legal matters.
Upon her return to Kimmel Carter, she combined her extensive knowledge of personal injury cases and litigation experience to thoughtfully and successfully represent individuals and families who have been impacted by an injury. She takes time to truly understand her clients’ needs and works to ensure they are rightfully compensated and receive all of their entitled benefits. Linda is known for her empathetic approach, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to justice.
She is honored to have been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™, Delaware Today “Top Lawyers,” and a Delaware Super Lawyers Rising Star. But if you ask her, she will tell you the real reward comes from the notes, calls, and reviews from clients who felt truly supported.
Linda is married and has two children. Outside the office, she enjoys coaching and attending her children’s sporting events. In her spare time, she is likely shopping, playing with her pups, or lost in a good book.
Kimmel Carter
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