Healthcare workers play one of the most critical roles in our community, providing essential care and support to those in need. However, the nature of their work exposes them to various hazards that put their well-being at risk. When healthcare workers sustain an injury while working or develop occupational illnesses, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Healthcare Hazards
Healthcare professionals face many risks in their daily work environment. Common hazards that can lead to injuries and illnesses include:
- Infectious diseases – Healthcare workers have a higher likelihood of exposure to harmful pathogens, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, influenza, and HIV. The risk of contracting these diseases is significant even when taking all mandatory precautions.
- Slip-and-fall injuries – Slips, trips, and falls are prevalent in healthcare settings due to frequently mopped floors, rushing personnel, and medical equipment underfoot. These accidents can cause severe injuries like fractures, sprains, and concussions.
- Violence – Healthcare workers sometimes encounter aggressive patients and family members due to the stress associated with illness and healthcare settings. Injuries from sudden assaults can leave employees with physical and emotional injuries.
- Burns – Although burn injuries are uncommon in hospitals and clinics, paramedics and emergency responders often face risks while rescuing individuals from dangerous situations such as fires, workplace explosions, and car accidents. The resulting burn injuries can be debilitating and disfiguring.
- Work-related illnesses – Healthcare workers are susceptible to various occupational illnesses, including respiratory conditions, dermatitis, exposure to hazardous chemicals through sterilization and tissue sample preparation, and cancer.
- Musculoskeletal disorders – Lifting and repositioning patients is physically demanding, sometimes resulting in worker injuries like tendonitis, muscle strains, and herniated discs.
Types of Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation
While workers’ compensation generally covers work-related injuries and illnesses, there are exceptions, including:
- Injuries occurring outside work hours or not in the scope of employment
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents caused by the employee
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries resulting from personal altercations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or psychological injury without an accompanying bodily injury
Filing a Healthcare Workers’ Compensation Claim
Here are the steps to filing a workers’ compensation claim as a healthcare worker:
- Report the incident to your employer promptly.
- Seek immediate medical attention and inform the healthcare provider that your injury is work-related.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to assist during the claims process.
- Document all medical treatments, expenses, and time away from work.
- Open a workers’ compensation claim with your employer or their insurance carrier.
- Cooperate with the claims investigation process.
Many workers’ comp claims get derailed due to minor clerical errors or missing information. A skilled lawyer can ensure you submit a complete claim the first time.
Get Help From a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Now
If you are a healthcare worker in Albany, GA, and need help with your workers’ compensation claim, talk to the trusted workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. You’ve dedicated your career to helping others — now let us help you get the care and financial security you deserve. Contact us now for a free case review.
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