Healthcare workers play a vital role in keeping others safe and healthy—but their jobs often come with serious physical risks. From lifting patients to exposure to harmful substances, the nature of healthcare work can lead to injuries that impact your ability to do your job and maintain your well-being. If you’ve been hurt on the job, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps to filing a strong workers’ compensation claim.
Common Injuries Healthcare Workers Experience
Healthcare professionals face a wide range of hazards in their daily routines. Some of the most frequent workplace injuries include:
1. Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Causes: Lifting or repositioning patients, pushing equipment, repetitive tasks
- Common symptoms: Back pain, joint strain, muscle tears
- At-risk roles: Nurses, aides, physical therapists
2. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
- Causes: Wet floors, cluttered hallways, uneven surfaces
- Common injuries: Sprains, fractures, head trauma
- At-risk areas: Emergency rooms, surgical wings, long-term care facilities
3. Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
- Causes: Handling syringes, blood draws, waste disposal
- Risks involved: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B/C)
4. Violence from Patients
- Causes: Aggressive or disoriented patients, lack of support during emergencies
- Common outcomes: Bruises, concussions, psychological trauma
- Frequently affected roles: ER staff, psychiatric nurses, home health aides
5. Exposure to Hazardous Substances
- Causes: Cleaning agents, chemotherapy drugs, infectious diseases
- Potential effects: Respiratory issues, skin reactions, long-term illness
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a successful claim requires careful documentation and timely action. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Report the Injury Immediately
As soon as you’re injured or notice symptoms related to your work, notify your supervisor. Even if the injury seems minor at first, reporting it right away is essential for preserving your claim rights. Make sure to:
- Provide details about how, when, and where the injury occurred
- Mention any witnesses, if applicable
- Request a copy of the incident report
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Prompt medical care is not only important for your health—it also helps connect the injury to your job. Be sure to:
- Inform the provider that the injury is work-related
- Follow all prescribed treatments and keep records of appointments
- Request copies of your medical records, diagnosis, and restrictions
3. Fill Out a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form
Your employer is required to give you a claim form (DWC 1 in California) after you report your injury. Complete and return it as soon as possible. Your employer must forward it to their insurance company.
Benefits you may be eligible for include:
- Medical expenses
- Temporary or permanent disability payments
- Mileage reimbursement for medical travel
- Job displacement benefits, if you can’t return to your previous role
4. Document Everything
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Keep copies of:
- Injury reports
- Medical records and bills
- Correspondence with your employer or their insurance
- Any job restrictions provided by your doctor
When to Contact an Employment Law Attorney
Healthcare worker claims can be complicated—especially when employers or insurance companies deny responsibility or delay benefits. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Appeal denied claims
- Ensure all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time
- Maximize the benefits you receive
- Advocate for you if your employer retaliates or pressures you to return to work too soon
At PLBH, we are committed to helping healthcare workers navigate California’s workers’ compensation system. You don’t have to face this process alone. If you’ve been injured on the job, call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free, confidential consultation.