Did you know that healthcare workers face one of the highest rates of workplace injuries in any profession? Unfortunately, it is those who heal others that often get hurt on the job. If you work in healthcare, understanding your workers’ compensation rights can protect both your health and your income.
The most common healthcare worker injuries
Healthcare facilities present unique hazards that lead to specific types of injuries.
Musculoskeletal injuries like back, shoulder and neck problems are a common injury type for nurses and CNAs. These happen when you lift or transfer patients, push heavy equipment or maintain awkward postures for long periods. Even if your injury developed gradually over time rather than from one specific incident, you may still have a valid workers’ comp claim.
Needlestick and sharps injuries expose you to bloodborne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis. These often occur when recapping needles, disposing of sharps or cleaning up. You need immediate medical treatment and long-term monitoring.
Other common injuries include patient assaults (especially in ERs and psychiatric units), slip and falls on wet floors, chemical exposures, repetitive stress injuries and infectious disease exposure.
Your rights as a healthcare worker
Workers’ compensation laws cover most healthcare workers, including nurses, CNAs, technicians, therapists and support staff. However, coverage depends on multiple factors, including your employment status. Generally, you must be an employee rather than an independent contractor. If covered, you can be eligible for medical treatment, wage replacement and disability coverage to help with recovery from a work-related illness or injury.
Workers’ compensation laws also protect you from retaliation when you file a claim. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a workers’ comp claim, even if your facility is short-staffed.
For needlestick and sharps injuries, your employer must provide immediate medical evaluation. OSHA requires reporting these exposures, and early treatment is critical.
Know your options
Working in healthcare doesn’t mean accepting injury as “part of the job.” If you get hurt at or in the course of your job, we can help you assess your legal options. Whether this involves filing for workers’ compensation benefits or pursuing a personal injury claim against a third party will depend on the details of your specific case and coverage.
