MenuNurses, certified nursing assistants, and other healthcare workers provide vital services to patients in hospitals and medical clinics. As such, their role in the healthcare industry can’t be underrated. However, the rigors of healthcare work often pose a challenge due to the increased risk of harm and injuries in the workplace. Putting it briefly, healthcare workers are at risk of suffering many different types of harm on the job due to the variety of things and people they encounter on a daily basis.
That said, if you or your loved one works in the healthcare industry, you may suffer injuries that may impact your life significantly. However, you have a right to receive medical care and compensation after a workplace injury. A work injury attorney can evaluate your options and obtain the funds you need to cover your losses.
Here’s an overview of all you need to know about nurse and healthcare accidents and how an attorney can help you.
Which are the leading causes of injury in the healthcare field?
A report by the CDC indicates that there are approximately 18 million workers in the healthcare industry. These workers may suffer significant illnesses and injuries due to the potential health hazards in the workplace. In most cases, the injuries sustained are non-fatal, but there are other different types of illnesses they may suffer from.
That said, the following are some of the leading causes of injuries in the healthcare industry:
Needle Sticks
Needles are part and parcel of healthcare activities. In other words, they(needles) are unavoidable. As such, most nurses and other healthcare workers who routinely use these medical instruments end up cutting themselves or puncturing their skin. Such cuts may not harm them immediately, but in the long run, they may grapple with a debilitating condition that originated from the cut.
Overexertion or Repetitive Stress
This is a common type of problem that affects most workers. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests that healthcare workers are more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders than other workers. Such an assertion indicates the considerable risk that healthcare workers run while working in the healthcare field.
Slips and Falls
Healthcare facilities are not always up to standard with all the regulatory requirements. Some of these workplaces expose the healthcare workers to health hazards, occasionally brought about by water or liquids spilled on the floor. In the unfortunate event that workers come into contact with the water, they may slip and fall- injuring themselves. They may also contact an infectious disease from the slip and fall.
Common Types of Injuries in the Healthcare Field
The following are some of the injuries that many healthcare workers in Mankato, Minnesota, suffer from in the workplace:
Infections
Handling needles and other medical equipment often exposes many healthcare workers to risks of infection. These infections may lead to unwanted illnesses that may affect your health.
Head Injuries
Slips and falls are the leading causes of head injuries. Such an injury may lead to permanent disability or a temporary disability -significantly affecting your life.
Vaccine Injuries
Though uncommon, people in the healthcare field have been injured by vaccines that have been required by their employers, i.e. the Covid-19 vaccine. Often these claims are compensable as workers compensation claims.
Sprains and Strains
This is the most common type of injury reported among healthcare workers. It tends to affect the shoulders and the lower back.
What can you do if you are Injured at Work?
If you are a healthcare worker and are injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation and other benefits recoverable under the law in Minnesota.
How can a work injury attorney help?
An attorney is one of the valuable assets you must have if you proceed with a legal claim. Put simply, an attorney levels the playing field, brings experience to the table and will provide you with legal representation to help you navigate the legal process with ease.
That said, here’s how an attorney can help you:
- Evaluate your case
- Identify the viable option
- Assist you in filing for workers’ compensation benefits
- Gather evidence and other relevant documents
- Negotiate a settlement
- Handle hearings or any appeals
CONTACT A SOUTHERN MINNESOTA WORKERS’ COMP ATTORNEY
The workers’ compensation system is often complex. Therefore, if you are a healthcare worker and are injured at the workplace, it would be best to find a reputable attorney to help you receive the benefits you deserve.
At Harvey & Carpenter, Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation cases. We will help you recover the benefits you need to get you through this challenging period. We serve clients throughout Southern Minnesota including Mankato, New Ulm, Fairmont, Rochester, Albert Lea, Austin, Blue Earth, Byron, Cannon Falls, Darwin, Faribault and more. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Contact A Mankato Workers' Compensation Lawyer Today
Contact the law office of Chesley, Harvey & Carpenter today at (507) 625-3000 for a free case review. We are located in Mankato, Minnesota.