Doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and other healthcare workers spend their days keeping others safe, so it may come as a surprise to learn that healthcare workers report more workplace illnesses and injuries than workers in any other industry. Medical workers often work long hours doing physically demanding jobs like lifting and transferring patients. Many regularly work around hazardous biological materials and dangerous chemicals.
Healthcare workers who are harmed as a result of their job are typically entitled to workers’ compensation. They can receive financial compensation for their medical expenses and part of their lost income. If you or a loved one in the healthcare field suffered a workplace injury or illness, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Work Injury Claims Involving Medical and Healthcare Professionals
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), people in the healthcare and social assistance sectors are injured more frequently than workers in any other sector. Unfortunately, the rate at which healthcare workers are injured is rising. OSHA reports that there was a 40 percent increase in healthcare work-related injuries and illnesses in 2020.
Some of the top causes of healthcare worker injuries and illnesses include:
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Strains and sprains – Most people do not realize how physically demanding healthcare jobs are. Transferring patients with limited mobility can lead to injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and more.
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Exposure to biological hazards – Medical workers may come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids carrying dangerous pathogens. Workers can become sick if they accidentally inhale or otherwise come in contact with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens.
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Exposure to radiation – X-rays and other diagnostic tests can expose workers to dangerous levels of radiation if the proper precautions are not taken.
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Repetitive stress injuries – Any action that is repeated again and again is hard on the body and can lead to repetitive stress injuries.
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Slip and fall and trip and fall injuries – Environmental hazards can come in all forms. Cords and wires, loose floor tiles, and spilled liquids are just some of the many causes of slips and trips in medical facilities. Fall accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, broken bones, and other painful injuries.
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Patient violence – Sometimes, patients or their loved ones become physically aggressive with medical staff. Workers may suffer acute injuries in an assault or battery.
Call a Crystal Lake Workers’ Comp Lawyer
If you suffered a work injury or illness, contact Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC for help. Call our McHenry County healthcare workers’ compensation attorneys at 815-338-3838. Set up a free, confidential consultation today.
Source:
https://www.osha.gov/healthcare