Healthcare Workers And On-The-Job Injuries
Should a person think of dangerous jobs, they often picture construction sites or factories. Yet some of the most injury-prone professions that don’t come to mind are those in healthcare.
Nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals face unique on-the-job hazards that can lead to serious, long-term injuries. In Maryland, these workers have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits when they are hurt while caring for others. If you need guidance on how to secure financial relief after being injured at your healthcare job, have a conversation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Common Injuries Among Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals regularly perform physically demanding tasks. Over time, the repetitive motions required by their jobs can cause serious harm. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Back injuries. Lifting and repositioning patients, moving heavy equipment, and standing for long shifts can place immense strain on the back, often leading to muscle sprains, herniated discs, and chronic back pain.
- Joint damage. Knees, shoulders, and wrists are frequently overworked in healthcare settings. Administering injections, assisting with surgeries, and performing physical therapy exercises can all contribute to joint wear and tear.
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Repeating the same movements throughout the day, such as drawing blood, typing notes, or adjusting medical equipment, can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
- Slips, trips, and falls. Hospitals and clinics are busy, fast-paced environments. Spilled liquids, loose cords, and crowded hallways can quickly become hazards that lead to falls and serious injuries.
Unlike acute injuries that happen in a single incident, repetitive motion injuries often develop slowly over time. Healthcare workers may initially dismiss aches and pains as part of the job, but these issues can become debilitating if left untreated.
Because some healthcare injuries build gradually, some employers and insurance companies may try to argue that they are not work-related. This is why it’s so important for healthcare workers to document their symptoms, report them promptly, and seek medical care without delay.
Your Rights to Maryland Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who suffer injuries in the course of their work. If you are a nurse, medical assistant, technician, or any other healthcare worker who has been injured on the job, you may be entitled to coverage for medical treatment. Some situations lead to wage replacement benefits and vocational rehabilitation, too.
You are not required to prove your employer was at fault, but you must show that your injury is connected to your work duties. Healthcare workers are essential to our communities, but their own well-being is often overlooked. When struggling with pain or injury from your job in the healthcare field, consult with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer. Doing so can help you navigate the process, protect your rights, and secure the benefits you deserve.
Are you home healing? Don’t wait until your injury worsens. Talk to the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. Prompt action can make all the difference in your recovery and your ability to continue your important work. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
