Healthcare Workers Injury

Between the hazards that healthcare work inherently involves and the fatigue and strain built up over long hours, nurses, doctors, attendants, and specialists are at high risk for a variety of injuries. 

Among the risks facing healthcare workers are the following:

• Muscle and back strain from lifting equipment or patients
• Slips and falls on spilled fluids or in-the-way equipment
• Exposure to biohazards, including bodily fluids and diseases
• Exposure to medications and poisons
• Sharp blades and needles, often contaminated with bodily fluids or medication
• Respiratory hazards, including gas hazards
• X-rays and radioactive material

These and many other hazards are the reason why hospitals should implement sound and comprehensive safety precautions. Nevertheless, hospital injuries are still frequent. Even if an injury seems minor, such as a strained back or sore muscles, you should still seek medical attention immediately. In addition, you may be due workers’ compensation benefits for your injury.

Available Benefits

If you have been injured while employed in a hospital work setting, and if your injury resulted from fulfilling your duties, your employer owes you workers’ compensation benefits. Your hospital has a duty to prevent hazards and uphold the safety of their employees, so if they fail in that duty, they have a responsibility to pay for it. 

Workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Medical care expenses, including medication and doctor visits
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Disability and disfigurement
• Lost time at work due to injuries

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, you could also be due damages for personal injury. This could include:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Lost earning ability
• Diminished quality of life
• Punitive damages in instances where your injury resulted from deliberate or reckless actions

Personal injury lawsuits involve more investigation and careful planning than workers’ compensation since liability won’t lie with your employer. Note that you cannot sue your employer for your injuries, so this is often reserved for third-party liability, such as in the case of an equipment manufacturer or another worker.

Seeking Legal Aid

Upon suffering an injury while on the job, the first thing you should do is seek medical help and report the injury. After that, obtain legal help. Workers’ compensation law has numerous pitfalls and complexities, and your employer can very easily use those against you. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side will help you avoid the pitfalls and obstacles insurance companies will throw at you.

For the assistance you need in seeking compensation, contact Hart David Carson LLP today. With a free consultation, we can determine the viability and best plan of action for your case.