Healthcare Work Injuries In North Carolina

The dedicated workers in the healthcare industry have some of the most important and difficult jobs in the country. While they help heal the sick and injured, many healthcare workers get sick and hurt themselves. When it comes to nonfatal workplace injuries, healthcare is one of the most dangerous industries for workers. Many healthcare workers need North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys to get the compensation they need for their injuries.

Hazards in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare workers face a wide range of hazards during their shifts. From immediate dangers to long-term problems, these workers see it all. While it varies among positions in the industry, some of the biggest risks to healthcare workers are:

• Lifting patients
• Spilled liquids
• Sharp objects, such as needles and scalpels
• Exposure to contagions
• Chemical and toxic waste
• Violence from patients
• Unsafe conditions in-home healthcare
• Overexertion and repetition 

All of these hazards are made worse by understaffing and the ongoing shortages in the industry. While many healthcare organizations take significant steps to decrease these risks, these hazards continue to cause injuries and illnesses in healthcare staff.

Common Workplace Injuries in Healthcare

When nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers come into contact with these hazards, workplace injuries happen. While it may be impossible to name all the possible workplace injuries in healthcare, there are several common injuries that employees should be aware of: 

• Back and spine injuries
• Slips and falls, leading to broken bones, sprains, and other injuries
• Cuts, sometimes deep
• Infectious diseases
• Death from complications 

Just how common are these injuries? Each year, approximately 653,000 nurses and other healthcare workers sustain injuries at work. To put this into perspective, the manufacturing industry sees an average of 152,000 workplace injuries annually.

What to Do If You’re Injured in You Healthcare Role

The most important thing a healthcare worker should do in the face of an injury is to seek the appropriate medical care as soon as possible. The severity and type of injury will determine exactly what kind of care the person needs. However, personal safety should take priority. 

Most healthcare organizations have protocols in place for injured workers. Employees should be sure to follow these guidelines whenever possible, which can help ensure they get the compensation they need. Most importantly, workers should report their injuries to the proper supervisors as quickly as possible. 

Anyone who is injured at work must be sure to keep all records regarding the injury and medical treatment needed. This includes receipts, doctors’ notes, and notes about conversations with others about the incident. Finally, injured healthcare workers may need an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney on their side.

Hire a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Are you one of the hundreds of thousands of injured healthcare workers in the country? Do you need help navigating the workers’ compensation system or determining if a personal injury suit is appropriate? Contact King Law Firm today or call us at (800) 635-1683. Our competent and caring attorneys can help.

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