What are the Most Common Injuries Healthcare Workers Contend With?
When people think about risky careers that are prone to work-related injuries, they often think of jobs like construction workers or electricians. While healthcare workers may not be at the top of the list of the most dangerous careers, they are at risk of their fair share of injuries.
The Most Common Healthcare Worker Injuries
Healthcare workers are at risk of the following injuries:
- Repetitive movement injuries: Repetitive movement injuries occur when someone does the same activity over and over again. This may include lifting or moving patients day in and out. It may also include using a certain piece of healthcare equipment.
- Needle injuries: Needle injuries can occur when a healthcare worker is administering injections or taking blood.
- Exposure to illness: Healthcare workers are often present around highly contagious illnesses, increasing their risk of exposure.
- Slip and fall accident: Healthcare workers can injure themselves in a slip and fall accident when the floors are wet due to inclement weather or patient spills not yet cleaned up.
These are just a few common injuries that healthcare workers may experience. A healthcare worker may also be at risk of things like patient abuse or violence.
How to Handle a Workplace Healthcare Accident
You spend your workdays helping others, so you may never expect to need help yourself during a traditional workday. However, it’s important to know how to respond and what steps to take if you are injured on the job.
One of the first things you’ll want to do following a healthcare-related accident is to receive medical care. If you work for a hospital, find your way to the emergency department. Be sure to notify your supervisor that you were injured and that you plan on receiving medical care as soon as possible.
Be open with the healthcare provider, including how you were injured and any current health conditions you may have. This ensures they can provide you with the best care.
After receiving the medical care you need, you want to fill out an official report. Depending on your hospital, they may have a certain process for this. Your employer may also connect you to a representative who will manage your case. This person should provide you with the resources you need to ensure you get the necessary medical care and time off.
Your Options Following a Healthcare Accident
Some healthcare accidents may be minimal and require a few days off from your typical work duties. Others, however, may be more significant and may require that you take extended time off from work. If this is the case, you may wonder how you’ll cover your bills if you’re not able to work.
Most healthcare systems in New Jersey are required to carry workers’ compensation, which covers your costs of medical treatment and lost wages following an injury. While workers’ compensation is designed to help you financially through an injury, it’s not always the easiest to navigate. If you need help collecting the funds you deserve, or workers’ compensation is denying your injury, it may be worth it to reach out to a lawyer.
Contact a Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case
A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Gelman Law represent clients in Cherry Hill, Hamilton, Neptune, Evesham, and all across New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or email us today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 850 Rt 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 and we also have offices in Hamilton and Neptune, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
