Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Healthcare Worker Injuries

Everyday, healthcare workers dedicate themselves to helping others by providing professional, compassionate care to those in need of medical attention. What many people may not realize, however, is that healthcare workers are regularly exposed to a wide range of hazards at work. From infections and needle sticks to broken bones, back injuries and head injuries, on-the-job injuries are a common occurrence in the healthcare field.

Types of Healthcare Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 18 million people work in the healthcare industry, close to 80 percent of whom are women. The CDC reports that there are more occupational injuries and illnesses in the healthcare field than any other industry. Whether a person works as an orderly, a home care aid or a registered nurse, they all face an increased chance of on-the-job injuries the moment they get to work.

Some of the most common causes of injuries in the healthcare field include the following:

  • Overexertion/repetitive stress: According to OSHA, healthcare workers are over seven times more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than other workers. Of those workers, nursing aids and orderlies have the highest risk of MSDs.
  • Patient handling activities: Workers can become injured when manually lifting patients or transferring them to different positions.
  • Needle sticks: Healthcare workers regularly use needles and other sharp medical instruments that could cut or puncture the skin.
  • Violence: OSHA reports that healthcare workers and social service workers are at high risk of being assaulted by a violent criminal who may be temporarily placed in hospitals on criminal hold. Hospitals and clinics are also often targets of robbery because of the presence of drugs.
  • Slips and falls: Spilled liquids on slick floors can cause healthcare workers to slip or fall.
  • Understaffing: Healthcare facilities are often understaffed due to budget constraints and/or underqualified staff.

The following are examples of some of the most common types of injuries suffered by healthcare workers as a result of the above workplace incidents.

  • Sprains and strains: According to OSHA, these types of injuries are the most frequently reported among healthcare workers. The shoulders and lower back are the most effected.
  • Back and neck injuries: Improperly lifting or transferring patients can damage the discs in the spine.
  • Blood borne infectious diseases: According to the CDC, healthcare workers who are stuck by a needle are at significantly higher risk of being infected with blood borne diseases like HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C.
  • Broken bones: These injuries are usually the result of workplace violence.
  • Head injuries: These often occur due to a slip and fall injury or from workplace violence.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you have been injured on the job, it is important that you initiate the claims process as soon as possible. This is the first step towards ensuring that you are compensated for your medical care. The claims process can be very complicated, and if you do not act quickly, and provide all the required documentation, your claim can be denied. That is why you need a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer on your side to negotiate a fair settlement and fight for your rights.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Injured Healthcare Workers

If you are a healthcare professional who has been injured on the job, our Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side and will do whatever it takes to protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation, call us at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.