When Jurgis is injured on the job, he initially ignores the injury and keeps working until he faints from the pain. The company doctor sends him home, telling him the injury will take months to heal, but the company refuses to take responsibility for his injury. As a result, Jurgis is forced to stay in bed for weeks, growing frustrated and despairing over his inability to work and provide for his family. His injury marks a turning point where he realizes the harsh, exploitative nature of the industrial system, leading to feelings of anger and hopelessness.