Healthcare Worker Injuries

Healthcare workers fill a crucial role; however, healthcare is also an extremely dangerous industry. Indeed, more healthcare workers are injured each year than in any other industry. For example, in 2021, 623,000 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, health aides and others in the medical profession experienced a workplace injury.

At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive experience handling successfully obtaining benefits on behalf of those who have suffered healthcare worker injuries. We command a vast understanding of the North Carolina workers’ compensation process, which enables efficiently prepare claims designed to maximize the benefits you receive.

Jobs in the healthcare industry are some of the most dangerous occupations, with workers facing a variety of hazards. Some of the most common healthcare worker injuries include the following:

Musculoskeletal Injuries: These are often the result of tasks such as lifting, repositioning, or transferring patients. This includes sprains, strains, injuries to the back, neck, and shoulders, and other repetitive stress injuries and overexertion injuries.

Needlestick Injuries: Accidental punctures by needles can potentially expose workers to bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Exposure to Harmful Chemicals and Drugs: Healthcare workers may come in contact with various chemicals, including disinfectants, sterilizing agents, and certain medications that can be harmful if ingested or come in contact with skin.

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, cluttered work areas, or simply the busy nature of a healthcare environment can lead to these types of injuries.

Infections: Healthcare workers are at risk of contracting airborne diseases (like tuberculosis), bloodborne pathogens, and other contagious illnesses, especially if proper precautions are not taken.

Radiation Exposure: For those working in radiology or around certain medical equipment, there's a risk of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Burns: Coming into contact with hot liquids, steam, or equipment can result in severe burns.

Workplace Violence: Healthcare workers, especially those in emergency departments or psychiatric settings, face risks of violence from patients, their families, or even coworkers.

Repetitive Stress Injuries: These injuries are caused by doing the same motions over and over again, like typing or performing certain clinical procedures.

The healthcare industry demands workers keep a challenging schedule, making it hard for some employees to obtain the time-off they need to recover after an injury. On top of this, depending on your health insurance coverage, an injury can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim can ensure that you receive ample time to recover and do not end up on the hook for your accident-related expenses.

Importantly, the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act does not require you to establish that any other party was responsible for your injuries. In fact, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if you were partially at fault for your injuries. However, employers and their insurance companies can—and often do—deny workers’ comp claims, often arguing that an injury was not work

Some of the largest employers in North Carolina are medical systems and other healthcare providers. For example, Duke University Health System, WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Carolinas Healthcare System (Atrium Health), and Novant Health all operate major operations in North Carolina, employing tens of thousands of people.

If you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, healthcare aide, administrative employee or any other healthcare worker, and you suffered a work injury, the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our workers’ comp lawyers have successfully obtained benefits on behalf of countless clients. We are meticulous in our approach, providing all the necessary documentation of your injury and medical treatment to ensure prompt resolution of your claim. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our Charlotte work injury lawyers, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County workers’ compensation attorneys at 704-918-4747. We proudly represent clients in Charlotte, Concord and Kannapolis, as well as throughout Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.