Workers’ Compensation Claims for Hospital Workers

 Posted on October 05, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

Hospital workers play a vital role in healthcare but face various occupational hazards that can result in injuries. Like any industry, on-the-job injuries and illnesses can happen and disrupt a healthcare worker’s job and life in general. 

Illinois requires employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage to provide benefits to injured workers, and the healthcare industry is no different. However, large hospitals and their insurers can make it challenging to receive the benefits you deserve. Never hesitate to seek help from a Joliet, workers’ compensation lawyer if you need to pursue a claim. 

Common Injuries to Hospital Staff on the Job

Some common work-related injuries to hospital workers include:

• Musculoskeletal injuries - Lifting and transferring patients can lead to strains, sprains, and back injuries, particularly among nurses, orderlies, and nursing assistants.
• Needlestick injuries - Healthcare workers may accidentally get pricked by contaminated needles or sharps, increasing the risk of infection transmission.
• Slips, trips, and falls - Hospital environments can be fast-paced, and spills or cluttered walkways can lead to slips, trips, and falls, causing fractures, sprains, or head injuries.
• Exposure to infectious diseases - Hospital staff, especially those working in high-risk areas like emergency rooms or infectious disease units, are at risk of contracting diseases such as COVID-19, hepatitis, or tuberculosis.
• Violence and assault - Healthcare workers may face verbal abuse or physical violence from patients or their families, resulting in injuries or psychological trauma.
• Burns - Hospital workers are exposed to various equipment and materials that can cause burns, including chemicals, hot surfaces, or scalding liquids.
• Repetitive motion injuries - Workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as data entry or scanning, may develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Respiratory issues - Exposure to airborne contaminants or infectious agents can lead to respiratory conditions, such as asthma or respiratory infections.
• Psychological stress - The emotional toll of dealing with critically ill patients, death, and high-stress situations can lead to psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Seeking Benefits

When a hospital worker suffers injuries or illness from their job, they should get the proper medical treatment immediately. Then, they should explore the process of seeking benefits to cover their injury-related losses. 

Workers’ compensation benefits can cover the following:

• All costs of medical treatment for the work-related condition
• A percentage of lost income if the worker must stay off the job while they heal
• Disability benefits if they cannot return to work for some time - if at all
• Death benefits to family members if fatal injuries occur

In some situations, a third party might be responsible for causing injuries to hospital workers on the job. When this happens, they might seek damages in a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. If you are in this situation, you want an attorney who can handle all aspects of your case. 

Learn How a Will County, IL Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

The last thing you need after a work injury is to fight with insurance companies or worry about saying the wrong thing. Our legal team at McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC is ready to help with your claim. Call 815-727-0100 or contact us online to discuss your injuries with an experienced Joliet, IL workers’ compensation attorney.