Workers Compensation for Health Care Workers Injured on the Job
We all rely on health care workers, such as nurses and doctors, to keep us healthy and to support us when we are injured or ill. Unfortunately, these workers also have a surprisingly high rate of workplace-related injuries. In fact, health care injuries are among the most common of all professions in the private sector. Health care workers are more likely to be injured on the job than coal miners and many other seemingly “more dangerous” occupations.
Why Are Health Care Worker Injuries So Common?
There many reasons why health care workers are especially prone to on-the-job accidents and injuries, such as:
- They are exposed to toxins and contagious diseases at work
- They may have to lift heavy patients from beds to gurneys or assist heavy patients to the bathroom
- They may face patient ire or anger during stressful times, which can mean they are vulnerable to workplace violence
- They may be prone to repetitive strain injury through long hours of work
- They work very long hours and shifts, often standing fear long periods of time, which can result in injury
- They work in a high-stress environment, which can result in errors and injuries
- They work with dangerous equipment, including needles, radiation equipment and more
Common Health Care Worker Injuries
Health care worker injuries can include significant injuries resulting from slip and falls. Health care workers also are subject to injuries to the shoulders, neck, hips, knees and back as they work long hours standing up and moving around as well as lifting heavy patients. When health care workers stand for extended periods of time in the surgery room, the emergency room or on long shifts, they may face injuries to the back and feet. Another common injury involves stick injuries caused by syringes. Exposure to contagious diseases, biohazards and radiation are also common injuries for these workers. Many health care workers also suffer carpal tunnel syndrome because of the long hours they spend working with their hands and doing fine motor work, such as surgery or giving needles.
The stress of this job can also mean workers can suffer from depression as well as mental health challenges and even posttraumatic stress syndrome caused by a high stress work environment.
Health Care Workers Do Have Options
If you work in a health profession and have been injured on the job, you do have options. You may qualify for workers’ compensation if your work-related injuries prevent you from doing your job. You may also want to explore all your options with a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to. Getting correct benefits ensures you can work on healing so you can return to work in good physical condition for your demanding job.
To speak to a workers’ compensation attorney about the benefits you qualify for, contact Frommer D’Amico. Our attorneys are certified worker’s compensation specialists and we don’t charge you for an initial consultation or for case management, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
