Nurses Injured at Work: What You Need to Know

If you are a nurse who suffers work-related injuries, you may have many questions about what happens next. You may be wondering whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, how you will cover your expenses while you are out of work, and what you will do if your injuries do not resolve, leaving you with a permanent disability. You can find out what benefits you are entitled to and what to expect next as you move through your recovery process when you consult a high-powered Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer from John Foy & Associates.

Despite the fact that nurses are revered as being essential workers, insurance companies do not always treat them with the respect they deserve. It is not unusual for insurers to deny even the most deserving workers’ comp applicants. Contact our law office to request a free consultation today and learn more about how to build the strongest workers’ comp case possible and what to do if you receive a claim denial.

Nursing Is a High Demand Profession

Nurses will not be surprised to learn that nursing is the number one industry for non-fatal occupational injuries, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). That is right: nursing staff have higher injury rates than factory workers, construction workers, oilfield workers, and even farming. Nurses and nursing assistants are frequently exposed to violence in the workplace, toxic chemicals, and even occupational illnesses in their work as healthcare providers.

Common Injuries Nurses Experience 

There are certain types of injuries healthcare workers may experience more often than others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps comprehensive records detailing the types of injuries nurses and other healthcare workers sustain that require them to take time off work. Some of the most common types of injuries nurses report include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries
• Contact with foreign objects
• Exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, or infectious diseases
• Exposure to toxic chemicals and cleaning supplies
• Working with violent or dangerous patients

Nurses May Be Hesitant to Take Time Off Work

You may feel the pressure to get back to work as soon as possible. Many nurses do not feel comfortable taking any time off. Not only are they underpaid and unable to afford to take time off, but they also feel the pull of dedication, recognizing that many of their patients need their help. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, nurses and nursing assistants often take sick days or switch shifts with another nurse instead of reporting their injuries or illnesses to hospital administrators.

If this sounds similar to what you are going through, you are not alone. You have the right to heal from your injuries or illness. If you allow your body to rest, you can get back to work and optimum health sooner.

In fact, according to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), any company with three or more employees is legally required to protect its workers with workers’ compensation insurance coverage. When you are involved in a work accident, workers’ comp insurance can give you the financial leeway you need to take time off and heal. Your medical expenses should be covered, you can collect around 66% of your average income, and even secure vocational rehabilitation benefits if you are dealing with permanent injuries that require you to change professions.

You May Be Entitled to Additional Compensation 

In addition to the benefits you collect from workers’ comp, you may also have the right to file a third-party liability claim. Generally, when you collect workers’ comp, you forfeit the right to sue your employer, even if they are partially responsible for the injuries you sustained, according to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation Employee Handbook. However, if someone else is found liable for your injuries, you may have the right to file a civil lawsuit against them.

With help from a top-rated personal injury attorney, you can prove the third party’s negligent actions were the cause of your injuries and resulting damages. When your case is heard in court, the at-fault party can be ordered to repay you for your losses in full. Not only could you receive reimbursement for your remaining loss of income, but you could also be compensated for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, disfigurement, reduced earning potential, and other economic and non-economic damages.

How to Obtain the Workers’ Comp Benefits You Deserve 

Unfortunately, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits is often far more challenging for nurses and other healthcare workers than they realize. For this reason, it may be in your best interest to get help from a workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible after your work accident. This way, you can ensure your claim is in compliance.

Seek Medical Care

Do not attempt to treat your injury or illness on your own. Get medical attention. You need extensive medical records that can help prove the severity of your injuries and how they occurred.

Report the Injury

Your injury needs to be reported to hospital administrators as soon as possible after the incident. Typically, you will have up to 30 days from the injury date, according to the SBWC, to file your accident report. If you miss this deadline, you could be denied the workers’ compensation benefits you would have otherwise been entitled to.

Request Medical Records

Request a copy of your medical records from your healthcare provider once you have received medical treatment. You should ask them to include notes regarding your prognosis in these records as well. Be sure to request diagnostic images, test results, and any other relevant medical details be included with your report.

Get Help from a Dedicated Georgia Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

These are just a few of the legal nuances you should be aware of if you are a nurse who has suffered a work-related injury. Although the workers’ compensation claims process can be overwhelming, when you have the legal support of a trusted Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney, you can rest easier. Have John Foy & Associates handle these specific details of your case so you can heal without financial worry.

With decades of experience and having recovered millions of dollars in damages and settlements for our clients, you can feel confident in your legal representation when you choose our firm to advocate for your rights. We are proud to offer 100% free consultations to nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers across the state. Claim yours by completing our quick contact form or calling our office today.