Understanding The Risks In Healthcare

Most of us may not think of the health care sector when we consider work-related injuries as a form of work that is particularly prone to risks and injuries. But according to recent studies, health care professionals are just as in danger as many others, such as firefighters, who have jobs that many consider high risk when it comes to serious and disabling injuries. Without a doubt, the jobs of registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals are physically taxing and dangerous.

Dangerous circumstances can cause significant injuries or possibly result in permanent disability in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. The lawyers at The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS are aware of today’s healthcare professionals’ difficulties. As your workers’ compensation lawyers, we are here to help you get the money you need to recover and support your family. We have represented injured clients all around California and will be pleased to assist you at every stage of the workers’ compensation claim process. To find out how we can assist you, call 818-527-1063 today.

Injuries Suffered by California’s Healthcare Workers

The healthcare industry in the United States, which employs over 18 million people, is the one with the fastest growing economy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Women comprise nearly 80% of the workforce in the U.S. healthcare industry. Sharp injuries, chemical exposure, fires, back injuries, latex allergies, stress, and even workplace violence are some risks healthcare workers face on the job. The CDC has discovered that healthcare employees experience some of the highest nonfatal occupational injury and disease rates in any industry sector.

Daily Risks For Healthcare Workers

The physical demands of many positions in the medical industry put a higher risk of injury and sickness on healthcare employees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to statistics, there are more injury or illness cases per 100 full-time workers in the U.S. than in other “hazardous” professions like manufacturing and construction.

The hazards you confront on a daily basis are present whether you work as an EMT, nurse, doctor, or in any other valuable healthcare profession. The following are the most typical reasons why medical workers get hurt:

• Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries
• Sharps Injuries
• Injuries Caused by Violence
• Slip and Fall Incidents
• Understaffing

Common Causes Of Injuries In Healthcare

The following are some of the leading reasons for injuries in the medical industry:

Patient Handling: When employees try to manually lift patients who need to be transferred from one place to another or bedridden patients who need to be repositioned, many incur catastrophic injuries. The number of patient injuries related to patient handling has increased dramatically along with the rise in obese or morbidly obese patients.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics indicate that healthcare professionals are more than seven times more likely than other workers to get orthopedic injuries. Due to the repetitious nature of their work, nursing assistants, attendants, and orderlies actually have a higher chance of developing these types of injuries.

Sharp injuries: Handling needles and other sharp medical equipment regularly expose healthcare workers to the risk of cuts and puncture wounds.

Workplace Violence: According to OSHA, healthcare employees have an increased risk of attack. Because they may be providing care for mentally ill patients or violent criminals, hospital staff members may be in danger.

Slip-and-Fall Incidents: When liquids spill on a hospital or nursing home’s floor, it creates significant risk, especially for staff members moving about.

Understaffing: Is a persistent issue in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living institutions. Due to the increasing stress level, pressure to work more quickly, and the need to care for more patients with less assistance and help may raise the risk of many different types of injuries.

California Sustained Injury Types

The following are a few of the most typical wounds seen in hospitals and nursing homes:

• Bone Fractures: Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents, as well as instances of workplace aggression, frequently result in broken bone injuries. A bone fracture could potentially happen when a healthcare professional moves a patient.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: This includes concussions, are possible for healthcare workers owing to falls and violent patient assaults.
• Neck and Back Injuries: These physically demanding jobs, which involve lifting, tugging, and taking care of patients, increase the risk of crippling neck and back injuries that could leave people with disability and chronic pain.
• Sprains and Strains: According to OSHA, sprains and strains are the most often reported injuries among healthcare workers. The body parts that suffer from sprains and strains most frequently include the neck, back, and shoulders.
• Herniated or Slipped Discs: This occurs when the cushions that surround the spine bones expand, split, or burst. In the area of the damaged disk, this could place pressure on the spinal cord and result in symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Disease Transmission: There is a significant increase in the chance of contracting infectious illnesses, especially serious conditions like HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B, when handling bodily fluids and treating sick patients.

Filing A Healthcare Workers’ Compensation Claim

Workers’ Compensation benefits are available to healthcare workers who have sustained workplace injuries. No matter who was responsible for the injury, workers in California are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. An employee does not need to demonstrate fault on the employer’s behalf. Workers’ compensation insurance covers all medical costs associated with work-related injuries.

You can also get some of the lost pay if you miss work days while healing from an accident. If your injury leaves you temporarily or permanently disabled, you may be eligible for compensation, financial aid, and assistance with job retraining. Family members of employees who pass away as a result of work-related injuries may be eligible for death benefits, which are provided to surviving dependents by workers’ compensation insurance.

Why Choose Us as Your Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Simple: We get results! The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS works together with the highly distinguished firm of Perona, Langer, Beck, Serbin, and Harrison to handle workers’ compensation claims large and small. Our alliance has produced excellent results for countless clients and we are confident we can help secure maximum compensation for you too.

For The Best Representation, Contact The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS

The skilled California Workers’ Compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS can assist you in better understanding your legal rights and alternatives if you or a loved one has been hurt on the job while working in a healthcare environment. We’ll assist in assessing your situation and help you submit a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. Additionally, we can assist in resolving any disagreements regarding your eligibility for benefits or the coverage of medical services. If your employer pushes you to go back to work before you’re ready, we’ll fight for your rights.

We will compile, arrange, and present proof showing you are eligible for benefits. Additionally, we advocate for you in a workers’ compensation hearing and assist injured clients or their families in negotiating fair payments. We also manage appeals if your claim is rejected. Every step of the way, our workers’ compensation lawyer will work to uphold your rights. For a free consultation and in-depth case examination, call us at 818-527-1063.