Despite the pandemic and the hardship, many healthcare workers prefer to stay in hospitals and clinics to help other people heal and recover. These doctors, nurses, and other medical staff risk their health and lives to keep others feeling better. However, most of the time, they are left unappreciated. These professionals are also humans who need care when they become ill or hurt. They can also suffer injuries like their patients. If you or a loved one is a healthcare worker who sustains damages from an accident while at work, you are eligible for compensation. Contact a Glendale healthcare workers’ injury attorney to represent you if you have any trouble getting what you qualify for.
Most Common Injuries Healthcare Workers Endure in the Workplace
Countless healthcare workers work in different fields in various positions and carry their own risks. Here are the most common injuries that these professionals usually experience in their respective workplaces.:
Slip and Fall accidents
Anyone can be a victim of slip and fall accidents, especially those who take patients to the emergency room because every second counts. A majority of slip and fall accidents that happen in medical facilities are due to uncleaned floors after a spill. It could also be due to slippery floors after applying heavy cleaning and disinfecting products. Common injuries associated with a slip and fall accident include:
- Sprained ankles or wrists
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Hip fractures
- Cuts and abrasions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Shoulder or neck injury
Needle Sticks
Needle sticks are injuries or wounds from needles that accidentally pierce the skin. It can also happen when needles are wrongly disposed of or when they drop. These injuries are hazardous to people who work with hypodermic syringes and other needle equipment. Factors that increase the risk of healthcare workers’ exposure to body fluids include:
- Not employing universal precautions
- Not complying with safety protocols
- Doing high-risk procedures that further the risk of blood exposure
- Using needles and other sharp tools lacking lack safety features
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
Repetitive stress injuries occur when a healthcare worker does the same thing repeatedly for long periods. These activities are usually demanding and exert too much effort, resulting in strain and overexertion. The same thing goes with musculoskeletal injuries can lead to muscle soreness and tear. These injuries include rotator cuff tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and bursitis.
- Repetitive stress injuries and musculoskeletal injuries symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness
- Tenderness
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Pain, ranging from mild to severe
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- Throbbing
- Swelling
Violence
Believe it or not, healthcare workers also experience violence among their patients, especially the nurses and other medical attendants. These patients include violent criminals, intoxicated people, and others with unpredictable behavior or psychiatric disorders.
Healthcare workers also sustain different injuries in the workplace aside from the ones mentioned above. It includes sprains, infections, broken bones, bloodborne diseases, and slipped discs, to name a few. Other incidents include patients biting healthcare providers or beating them.
The industry is responsible for 45% of the cases every year. Between 40% and 75% of the healthcare workers have endured physical or emotional abuse at work from their patients.
If you’re a healthcare worker who suffered injuries at the workplace, you are eligible for workers’ compensation. If in case the insurance company rejects your claim, talk to a Glendale healthcare workers’ injury attorney to help you with your case.
California Healthcare Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19
Workers’ compensation covers all of your related medical overheads. It includes doctor’s appointments/check-ups, prescription medications, and physical rehabilitation. The law also provides temporary disability benefits for workers who can’t return to work immediately because they need to recover fully. In case of partial or permanent disability, the worker may get permanent disability benefits.
California recognizes the dangers brought about by workplace exposure. State Fund announced an additional $165 million for employers and workers inflicted with Covid-19. The state’s biggest workers’ compensation insurer will accept any claims by essential workers, including those who work in the healthcare field. It doesn’t matter if the worker contracted the virus while at work or not, as long as he is still employed.
Working with a trustworthy Glendale healthcare workers’ injury attorney can help you file your claim. His knowledge of the law will make it less complicated for you.
Talk to a Glendale Healthcare Workers’ Injury Attorney Today
A healthcare worker like you also needs care and medical attention when you sustain injuries. Working with the Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group Glendale healthcare workers’ injury lawyers will give you peace of mind. If they reject your claim or if the management didn’t set up a workers’ compensation, we’ll protect your rights. We’ll also ensure that you get fair compensation and other benefits.
Call the Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group today at (818) 975-3080. Our compassionate but aggressive Glendale healthcare workers’ injury attorneys will be happy to help you. We work on a contingency basis. Let’s talk about your case at no cost.
