If you work as a nurse, you know that you can be hurt on the job. Being able to seek medical attention promptly can be difficult when you’re also caring for patients. That’s why being aware of your rights and working with an attorney who understands workers’ compensation laws is important.
What Are Common Causes of Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses for Nurses?
Issues common among nurses include back pain, slip and falls, back issues from patient transfers/falls and overuse injuries. These injuries can impact your ability to perform your job, or, worse yet, prevent you from being able to perform your job entirely.
What Are the Top Occupational Health Concerns for Nurses?
Emotional exhaustion and burnout are two of the most common problems that nursing home and hospital staffs experience. These problems can be reduced or prevented by following these steps:
- Establishing a workable plan
- Knowing your rights
- Managing stress at work
- Recognizing when you’re overloading yourself
- Recognize when you need a break
- Take care of your health
- Getting enough sleep
- Having a healthy lifestyle
What Can a Medical Worker Do to Get Compensation After an On-the-Job Injury?
All workers’ compensation laws are specific to each industry’s type of work. However, the general rules apply to all healthcare providers. In case you get injured and can demonstrate that you were doing a good job, you can and should be compensated.
To file a claim, you’ll need to write a detailed description of the injury and how it happened. You also need to provide documentation to support your claims, such as medical bills and lost wages. Contact an attorney immediately after your injury to advise you on the best practices to file your claim and ensure that your claim is accepted by the work comp insurance company.
Is COVID-19 Covered By Workers’ Comp for Nurses?
If you work as a nurse in a facility provided by an employer, you may be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and the employer will have to cover the costs associated with the claim. A facility that provides home health services or a nursing home could be required to cover the expenses if the work were done under an employment agreement.
Some short-term facilities may be under an employment agreement that includes additional terms and conditions, such as protection under workers’ compensation laws. If you work under such an agreement, you may be able to bring a claim for workers’ compensation.
When Can Nurses Collect Worker’s Compensation Benefits?
Typically, a workers’ compensation claim is heard by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This ALJ is trained to interpret the law and decide on your behalf. The ALJ will issue a decision within 30 days of the date that you file your claim.
Workers’ compensation for nurses covers all medical costs associated with the work comp injury, any and all lost wages due to the work injury and money for permanent disability if the work injury does not fully heal.
Alverson + O’Brien’s attorneys’ can help you today get the help and benefits you deserve and are legally entitled to. Reach out to our office if you need guidance and a voice to receive your worker’s compensation benefits.