Healthcare workers have always been held in high esteem for the work they perform, but now more than ever the world is realizing the risks they take every time they step into the clinic. The pandemic has really put a spotlight on essential workers, and we thought we should do our part to recognize healthcare workers during this difficult time. So in today’s blog, we take a look at some common sources of on-the-job injuries among healthcare workers, and how we can help them collect the workers’ compensation they deserve after one of these accidents.
Common Sources Of Injury Among Healthcare Workers
Whether you’re a nurse, surgeon, occupational therapist or work the appointment desk, every day in a clinical setting brings with it the possibility of injury. And while not all of the following potential causes of injury may apply to your position, we’ve helped healthcare workers with all of the following causes of injury.
Slip and Fall – Hospitals and emergency departments often have hard floors so that they can be more easily cleaned in the event that blood or another liquid hits the floor. When this type of floor gets wet, it can be hard to notice how slippery it has become until it’s too late. Slip and fall injuries are far too common among hospital staff.
Stairway Falls – Similarly, stairs can present a source of danger. Oftentimes staff try to navigate stairs quickly en-route to a patient or an emergency. Even when care is taken, falls down stairs can lead to significant injuries.
Combative Patients – Some patients unfortunately become combative during their care. Whether it is a result of drug use or mental health issues, sometimes they can become physically combative with staff, resulting in injuries.
Heavy Lifts – Sometimes patients need to be transferred from one bed to another or lifted onto an operating table. In other instances, therapists may try to catch and hold a patient during therapy who has lost their balance. Trying to hold or lift a patient can cause back injuries or other muscle strains.
Accidental Exposure – Accidental exposure to harmful pathogens and viruses is another on-the-job hazard of many healthcare workers, especially in the era of COVID-19. Some of these occupational diseases can be compensated through a workers’ compensation claim.
Understaffed-Related Injuries – Especially during COVID when staff is low and patient beds are filling up, staffing shortages can overburden employees, forcing them to work long hours on minimal rest. If they are rushing to meet demands or skipping safety protocols because they are trying to keep up, accidents can occur.
How Healthcare Workers Can Collect Workers Compensation
What we’ve noticed in our years helping employees collect workers’ compensation is that many healthcare workers are often hesitant to reach out and learn about their compensation options. We believe this is the case for a few reasons. For starters, many of them saw healthcare as a calling because they wanted to help others. They are selfless in many ways, so they don’t view compensation for their injuries as something they should pursue for themselves.
Other times they simply want to do everything in their power to get back to work so they can help others, and they feel that getting a medical diagnosis for their injuries and seeking treatment could slow this process down. While this line of thinking may be seen as admirable by some, it can also be dangerous. If you’re going to take care of others to the best of your abilities, you need to be healthy yourself, and you can’t do that if you’re powering through pain because of an on the job injury.
If you really want to get back to helping others, it’s important to take time for yourself and make sure you make a full recovery. That starts with a medical diagnosis and a treatment plan. While you’re focusing on your health, we’ll handle all the behind the scenes financial components. We’ll ensure you’re compensated for your injuries, your time away from work and any future medical expenses. You shouldn’t be expected to bear the cost of an on-the-job injury, and you don’t have to if you connect with Hey Workers.
So if you or someone you know works in the medical field and has suffered an injury during their line of work, make sure they consider talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer about their options. We only receive a small portion of your winning claim, so we have a vested interest in getting you everything you deserve, and you’re not on the hook if it turns out you don’t have a valid claim. For more information, or to talk to a lawyer at our firm, give our team a call today at (844) 439-9675.
