Government statistics show that healthcare workers have one of the highest rates of injury and illness on the job than other industries, and the number of injuries is continuing to increase. As with any other industry, healthcare workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they require medical treatment or time away from work due to job-related injuries.
Getting the benefits, you deserve can be more challenging than you might imagine. While you need to have your medical bills and lost wages covered, workers’ compensation insurers can throw obstacle after obstacle in your way. Never hesitate to discuss your situation with a healthcare workers’ compensation lawyer.
Healthcare Workers Prone to Work-Related Injuries
There are many different types of healthcare workers who support physicians and specialists in different settings and fields. Registered nurses (RNs) licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are all important to ensure patients get the help and support they need.
Such individuals might work in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Doctor’s offices
The workers who provide direct patient support are often the most susceptible to accidents and injuries.
Common Accidents and Injuries in Healthcare Settings
Healthcare workers have many tasks and face many risks in hospitals or nursing home settings. Some common injuries stem from:
- Lifting patients
- Assisting patients with walking or getting out of bed
- Adjusting patients in bed
- Pushing heavy medical equipment carts
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Toxic exposure
- Assaults from patients or visitors
- Allergic reactions to chemicals or equipment
These incidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
- Infections
- Skin issues
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussions
When you suffer an injury on the job, you deserve to have your treatment expenses and missed wages covered as the law allows. Many people find that getting benefits is an uphill battle, however.
Possible Workers’ Compensation Issues
When a healthcare worker needs benefits for an on-the-job injury, they must seek those benefits from their employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Insurance companies might challenge claims in many ways, such as by questioning whether the injury was work-related or challenging the severity of the injury.
If your workers’ comp claim is delayed, denied, or for fewer benefits than you deserve, you need a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to assist you. Our office helps healthcare workers with initial claims, appeals of denials, and even lawsuits against the insurance company when necessary.
Get In Touch With Our Experienced Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
Healthcare workers put their safety and well-being on the line every day they go to work, as the risk of illness and injury is high. The Florida workers' compensation attorneys of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa are here to fight for you and ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you need and deserve.
For any questions or issues with your workers’ compensation claim, don’t hesitate to schedule your free consultation by calling 561-478-2500 or completing our online form.