The healthcare field is comprised of many different types of workers from physicians and nurses to home health aides, orderlies, attendants, and physical therapists. Healthcare workers operate in a variety of settings, including hospitals, emergency facilities, clinics, birthing centers, home health care, and nursing homes.
Healthcare is a hazardous field for several reasons, and the healthcare industry has the highest rates of work-related injuries and illnesses. The annual number of reported injuries and illnesses surpasses those in manufacturing. Causes of injury and illness in healthcare workers include:
The above factors contribute to these common injuries in healthcare workers:
There are many steps hospitals and nursing homes can take to protect their healthcare workers. These include implementing programs to prevent needlesticks and sharps injuries, providing lifting equipment to minimize the risk of back injuries, ensuring adequate security measures are in place and hiring enough staff so that injuries from overexertion can be avoided.
If you are a healthcare worker who has been injured on the job, you may be eligible for compensation and benefits. An experienced Philadelphia work injury lawyer can advise you on filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, which will pay for medical costs related to your injury. If your injury forces you to miss work, wage loss benefits are available. Disability benefits, both temporary and permanent, may also be paid where applicable. Family members surviving a worker who suffers a fatality are eligible for death benefits.
Contact a skilled Philadelphia work injury lawyer of Gross & Kenny, LLP if you have questions about filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. Our practice is focused exclusively on helping injured workers. Call 215-512-1500 today to schedule a free consultation about your case or contact us online. Our office is conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we proudly serve clients throughout the state.