Georgia Workers’ Comp for Nurses, Doctors & Healthcare Staff

Many people assume that oilfield employees and construction workers are the most dangerous professions. While these industries are known for being particularly dangerous, many underestimate how hazardous it can be to work in a doctor’s office or hospital. If you are a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare provider who becomes seriously ill or injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Unfortunately, getting the insurance company to authorize your benefits packages may be more challenging than you thought. When you spend your days being exposed to toxic substances, high stress, and violent patients, the least your employer can do is ensure you have the benefits you need to recuperate without financial worry. Get help demanding the support you are entitled to when you contact a reputable Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer from John Foy & Associates for a 100% free consultation.

Healthcare Workers Are Often Exposed to Occupational Hazards

It is more common than you might think for healthcare workers to be exposed to hazardous conditions in the workplace. Not only are healthcare workers exposing themselves to contagious medical conditions, but they may also experience extreme psychological distress or violent encounters with patients, according to the National Library of Medicine. This often occurs because hospitals and other healthcare facilities are understaffed.

Many healthcare providers are at risk of developing serious occupational illnesses. Sometimes, this occurs due to exposure to high levels of chemotherapy, surgical devices, or even hazardous chemicals and cleaning supplies. Healthcare providers may also find themselves ill if they get stuck with a biohazardous used needle.

Nurse assistants have the highest rates of injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, over a two-year period, nursing assistants suffer more than double the amount of injuries that other types of healthcare providers do. Other types of healthcare providers, such as dentists, surgeons, and physicians, only make up approximately 10% of traumatic injury rates.

Common Types of Injuries Nurses, Doctors, and Healthcare Workers Experience 

Healthcare providers, including nurses and doctors, have reported countless types of injuries over the years. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the most common types of injury healthcare workers deal with include overexertion, strain and sprains, and back injuries. Nurses experience work injuries at a rate of 78.2 per 1,000 nurses, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Neck and Back Injuries 

It is not unusual for nurses and other hospital staff members to suffer back and neck injuries while working. This most often occurs when nurses have to reposition or transfer patients. These injuries may occur more often with patients who have limited mobility leaving the healthcare worker to absorb more of the weight when lifting.

A neck injury lawyer can help in cases like these.

Violent Encounters 

Many nurses and doctors often find themselves dealing with severe bruising due to combative patients. This can occur in elderly patients and those with mental health issues. In some cases, patients will become violent and could cause broken or fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, and even death.

Repetitive Stress Injuries 

Nurses may be more prone to repetitive stress injuries, according to the National Library of Medicine. Repetitive stress injuries can include burns, over-exertion, muscle sprains or strains, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Nursing staff may be more likely to develop musculoskeletal injuries due to their job responsibilities.

Georgia Workers’ Compensation Laws for Healthcare Workers 

After suffering a work-related injury, you must report the injury to hospital administrators so you can initiate the workers’ compensation claims process. Generally, you will have up to 30 days from the accident date to do this, according to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). If your employer tries to downplay your injuries or discourages you from applying for workers’ compensation benefits, your best option may be to connect with a workers’ comp attorney who can help you understand your rights.

The State Mandates Workers’ Comp Coverage 

You may not be sure what legal options are available to you after suffering an injury at your doctor’s office or hospital. However, according to the SBWC, these medical facilities are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance protection coverage. As long as your injuries occurred while you were working and required you to take some time off to recuperate, you should qualify.

The insurance company will be expected to cover your medical expenses. If your injuries wind up being so severe you can no longer work as a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare worker, vocational rehabilitation benefits may be available. Additionally, you should receive disability benefits at a rate of approximately 66% of your weekly income until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) and can head back to work.

Here’s How Doctors and Nurses Can Reduce Their Odds of a Work Injury 

There are some steps you can take to protect yourself from an on-the-job accident. First, while working, you should remain especially vigilant. You want to be careful when working around:

• Patients with psychological issues
• Wet floors
• Sharp objects
• Patients behaving erratically

Doctors and nurses should be prepared to participate in injury prevention training, hazard identification, and continuing education courses to reduce the instances of work-related injuries. If your employer attempts to overwork you or encourages you to violate safety regulations, you should push back and assert your rights. If you find yourself dealing with the trauma of an on-the-job injury, reaching out to a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer for help can ensure you have access to the funds you need to cover your necessary expenses while you are out of work and healing from your injuries.

Our Georgia’s Premier Workers’ Comp Law Firm Is to Prioritize Doctors, Nurses, and Healthcare Provider’s Needs  

No matter what healthcare facility in the Atlanta region or across the state of Georgia you work for, when you suffer a work-related injury, the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to could help you stay afloat while you heal. If the insurance company denies your claim, your dedicated Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney from John Foy & Associates can renegotiate settlement terms and provide additional supporting evidence to get your denial overturned. When you are ready to demand the benefits you are entitled to, fill out our online contact form or call our law office to schedule your free consultation as soon as today.