Workers’ Compensation for Hospital Workers: On-the-Job Injuries

Hospital workers, including nurses, doctors, medical technicians, and support staff, face unique challenges and hazards while performing their duties. From lifting patients to handling dangerous materials, the potential for injury is high in healthcare environments. At Martin Law, we understand the risks hospital workers face and are committed to helping you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve if you’re injured while on the job.

Common Injuries Faced by Hospital Workers

Hospital environments are fast-paced and often involve physically demanding work. As a result, hospital workers commonly experience:

• Back and Neck Injuries: Repeatedly lifting or repositioning patients can lead to serious musculoskeletal injuries, including strains, sprains, and chronic pain; many also suffer from herniations in their neck and back.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Hospitals are full of slippery surfaces, leading to falls that result in fractures, sprains, or head injuries.
• Needlestick Injuries: Hospital workers are at risk for puncture wounds from needles or sharp instruments, which can also result in exposure to dangerous pathogens like hepatitis or HIV.
• Exposure to Infectious Diseases: Due to the nature of the job, hospital workers are at high risk of contracting illnesses such as COVID-19, the flu, or other infectious diseases.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Tasks such as typing, moving medical equipment, or constant standing, lifting, and bending can cause conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or joint pain.
• Chemical Exposure: Hospital workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals used for sterilization, cleaning, or during medical treatments, leading to respiratory issues or skin reactions.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Hospital Workers

Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect hospital workers who are injured or become ill due to their job. If you are hurt on the job, you may be entitled to:

• Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost Wage Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working, you can receive compensation to replace a portion of your lost wages during your recovery.
• Specific Loss Benefits: If your injury results in the loss of a body part or function, you may be entitled to specific loss benefits or scarring benefits.

What to Do After an Injury

If you’re injured while working in a hospital, it’s critical to take the following steps to protect your rights:

1. Report Your Injury: Notify your employer as soon as the injury occurs, no matter how minor it may seem.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Visit an approved healthcare provider to document your injury and start receiving treatment.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Ensure your claim is filed correctly and promptly to avoid delays in receiving benefits.

Denied or Delayed Claims

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims can sometimes be denied or delayed, leaving hospital workers struggling to make ends meet while recovering from their injuries. If this happens to you, the experienced attorneys at Martin Law can help you navigate the appeals process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Contact Martin Law Today

At Martin Law, we’ve been fighting for injured workers in Pennsylvania for over 40 years. If you’re a hospital worker who has been injured on the job, don’t navigate the complex workers’ compensation system alone. Call Martin Law today at 215-587-8400 for a free consultation or fill out our contact form. Our team will fight to secure the benefits you’re entitled to under the law.

Call Martin Law at 215-587-8400 to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hospital Workers’ Compensation

1. What should I do if I suffer a needlestick injury?

If you suffer a needlestick injury, it’s essential to report it to your supervisor immediately and seek medical attention to reduce the risk of infection. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier should cover the cost of testing, treatment, and any time you need to take off work due to the injury.

2. Am I eligible for workers’ compensation if I contract an illness like COVID-19 at work?

Yes, if you contract a work-related illness such as COVID-19, the flu, or another contagious disease while performing your duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You will need to show that your illness is directly related to your work in a healthcare setting.

3. Can I receive workers’ compensation for a back injury from lifting patients?

Absolutely. Back injuries from lifting or repositioning patients are common in the healthcare industry, and they are typically covered by workers’ compensation. This includes coverage for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages during your recovery.

4. Are repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome covered by workers’ compensation?

Yes. If your job duties in a hospital require repetitive motions, such as typing, moving equipment, or standing for long periods, and you develop a condition like carpal tunnel syndrome or joint pain, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

5. What happens if I slip and fall while working in the hospital?

If you slip and fall at work due to wet floors or other hazards, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits would cover your medical bills, lost wages, and any rehabilitation necessary to help you recover from your injury.

6. Can I still receive workers’ compensation if I develop an illness from exposure to hazardous chemicals?

Yes. If you are exposed to hazardous chemicals while working in a hospital and develop an illness or injury as a result, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This includes respiratory issues, skin reactions, and other medical conditions caused by the exposure.

7. Can I choose my own doctor for treatment after a work-related injury?

Under Pennsylvania law, your employer may require you to see a doctor from an approved list for the first 90 days after your injury. After that, you are free to choose your own doctor. It’s important to follow these rules to ensure that you don’t lose your benefits.

8. What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. At Martin Law, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you file an appeal, represent you at hearings, and fight to secure the benefits you’re entitled to. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.

9. What types of compensation can I receive if I can’t return to my regular job duties?

If your injury prevents you from returning to your regular job, you may be eligible for wage-loss benefits or vocational rehabilitation services to help you transition to a different role within the hospital or another field. We can help you explore your options.

10. How long do I have to report my injury?

In Pennsylvania, you must report your work-related injury to your employer within 120 days of the injury occurring. However, to ensure that your claim is not delayed or jeopardized, it is highly recommended to report the injury as soon as possible.ility to return to any form of employment, you may qualify for additional disability benefits. These benefits are crucial in helping you maintain financial stability after a life-changing injury.