Healthcare workers in Wadesboro are essential to our community’s health and well-being. They work tirelessly to provide quality care to patients, but unfortunately, they are not immune to workplace accidents and injuries.
From doctors and nurses to support staff, healthcare workers face significant risks in the workplace. Whether you work at Atrium Health Anson, DaVita Dialysis Care of Anson County, Meadowview Terrace of Wadesboro, Anson Health & Rehabilitation, or another local healthcare facility, you could be eligible for workers’ comp benefits for a workplace injury or occupational illness.
At the law firm of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we understand how complex the workers’ comp process can be, especially when you’re already recovering from a painful work injury. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing healthcare workers who’ve been hurt on the job. We are ready to help you claim the maximum benefits you are owed by handling paperwork, investigating claims, appealing denials, and more.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you were injured in a healthcare workplace accident in Wadesboro.
What Are Common Healthcare Work Hazards?
Work-related injuries in healthcare are unfortunately common due to the nature of the job. Healthcare workers face numerous safety hazards in health and social care settings, including infectious diseases, strenuous tasks, violent patients, and harmful substances.
Here are some common examples of work-related injuries in healthcare:
- Needlestick injuries, which can lead to infections from bloodborne pathogens
- Back injuries from lifting or moving patients
- Exposure to caustic chemicals or hazardous drugs that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or even cancer
- Infections such as tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19
- Overexertion injuries
- Slip and falls
- Burn injuries
- Physical injuries or psychological trauma from assaults or violent attacks
How Common Are Healthcare Workplace Injuries in Wadesboro?
Work-related injuries are tragically common in the healthcare industry. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, healthcare workers experience higher rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses than workers in more traditionally hazardous industries, like manufacturing and construction. In one recent year, there were six workplace injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time hospital workers.
The most common injuries for hospital workers include soft tissue sprains, strains, and tears. Patient handling, including lifting and transferring patients, causes the most musculoskeletal disorder cases among hospital workers. Additionally, overexertion injuries requiring days away from work are more common among nursing assistants and registered nurses than other hospital workers. Nearly 40% of nonfatal injuries and illnesses that required days away from work in the healthcare industry were from overexertion or bodily reaction.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured at My Healthcare Job in Wadesboro?
Whether you got hurt or sick due to a slip-and-fall accident, exposure to an infectious disease, overexertion incident, or any other type of accident, there are certain steps you should take to preserve your legal rights, including:
- Seeking medical attention – Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured or become ill while on the job.
- Reporting the injury to your employer – Report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. Submit your report in writing so you can prove that your employer is aware of the injury and has the information they need to address your situation. Keep a copy of your written report.
- Documenting the injury – Keep detailed records of your injury or illness, including the circumstances surrounding it, any medical treatment you received, and any time you missed at work.
- Documentation is essential when you file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Contacting an attorney – Consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer from Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC. We can help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue the workers’ comp benefits you need.
Remember that there is a time limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina. You must first provide written notice of your injury to your employer within 30 days. Generally, the deadline for filing a claim is two years from the date when you first sustain the work-related illness or injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it is essential to consult with an attorney who can explain your rights and responsibilities under the law.
What Compensation Is Available for Injured Doctors, Nurses, and Other Healthcare Professionals?
Healthcare professionals in Wadesboro face a high risk of injury while on the job. Fortunately, the state’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability.
Workers’ compensation benefits for healthcare workers typically include:
- Medical expenses – Workers’ compensation insurance can cover the medical expenses incurred by an injured healthcare worker, including hospital bills, surgery costs, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost wages – This includes partial coverage of lost income for any time missed at work due to the injury and future lost wages if the injury is permanent.
- Disability compensation – This includes compensation for healthcare workers who are unable to return to work due to an injury.
- Death benefits – If a healthcare worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, their surviving family members could be eligible for death benefits, including compensation for funeral expenses and the loss of the deceased worker’s support.
Sometimes, an employer or the insurance carrier might minimize or deny a worker’s compensation claim. It can happen for various reasons, such as a lack of evidence that the injury or illness is work-related, a missed filing deadline, or a dispute about the extent of the injury.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision and request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. Our experienced attorneys can help you gather evidence to support your claim, present a compelling case before the judge, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Call Our Wadesboro Healthcare Workers Advocates Today
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our attorneys are Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation specialists with the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex workers’ compensation claims.
We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the details of your claim and provide personalized legal guidance. We proudly serve clients throughout North Carolina and have a convenient office location in downtown Wadesboro.
To contact us, you can visit us in person, give us a call, or fill out our online contact form.
