Nurses and Worker’s Compensation Claims
Working in the medical field brings both reward and risk. Unfortunately, there are many unreported injuries in healthcare, and nurses are at the top of the injured list.
It’s common knowledge that nurses are the caregivers of the medical field. Yet they are injured on the job more often than you think. Focusing on the health of patients can keep them from thinking about their own injuries.
When you take care of your own health, you can do a better job of taking care of the health of your patients. If you’re injured on the job, you deserve to file a claim with Worker’s Compensation.
Some of the common ways nurses are injured include:
• Lifting/moving patients
• Infectious diseases/exposure
• Slipping and falling
• Moving medical equipment
• Cuts and potential infections
The injuries that result from this list of workplace hazards may require medical treatment and time off from work. You have the right to file a claim for Worker’s Compensation benefits if you’re hurt at work.
Why Nurses Should File a Worker’s Compensation Claim for Injuries
Time to heal. Working through an injury requires rest and rehabilitation, which you cannot do while you’re at work. If you’re in pain while you work, you can make mistakes, which puts other nurses, medical staff, and patients at risk.
Managing medical bills. The medical costs associated with a work injury can be exorbitant. If you take time off from work, you will have medical bills on top of your regular bills to pay. Worker’s Compensation benefits will pay for your medical expenses.
There’s no “He said, she said.” The only thing you need is evidence that your injury happened at work. You don’t have to prove that someone else is to blame.
Unfortunately, almost half of all Worker’s Compensation claims are initially rejected. The good news? Your employer cannot legally try to prevent you from filing a claim. It’s crucial to hire an experienced Massachusetts Worker’s Compensation attorney to help you with your claim.
Worker’s Compensation laws are constantly changing, so working with a knowledgeable attorney can help increase the success of your claim.
What To Do If You Are Injured At Work
If you are injured at work, follow these suggestions to protect your rights to Worker’s Compensation benefits in Massachusetts.
Report your injury immediately. As soon as you are able, alert your employer of your injury in writing. Be specific about how it happened and what the injuries are. Ask for copies of any reports your employer creates related to your injury.
Seek medical treatment: Pain and severity can increase days after you’re injured so it’s important to see a doctor immediately. Be clear about the details of your injury with the doctor and make sure they record your symptoms.
Consult with a Worker’s Compensation attorney: The system is supposed to help. At the same time, it can be overwhelming to file a claim properly without legal guidance. Working with Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady & Associates, PC in Walpole, MA can make all the difference in getting the benefits you deserve. Consulting an experienced and top-notch work injury attorney can take away the stress and anxiety and give you the peace of mind you need and deserve.
For nearly 40 years, Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady & Associates, PC have helped thousands of nurses in Massachusetts protect themselves and their families after a work-related injury. We have a wealth of experience helping people in the medical community.
Nurses deserve the same care and consideration towards their injuries as they provide their own patients. Contact us today about your case, and let us help you get what you deserve for your case.