Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Atlanta
With more than over 60 years of combined experience, Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys represents clients in workers’ compensation cases in Georgia. We have a thorough knowledge of the legal system and can guide you through the process. Our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers combine compassionate, personal services with aggressive representation in the courtroom. If you have sustained a hospital workplace injury, we can help. Call our firm today at (770) 922-3660 for efficient legal services.
Understanding Hospital Workplace Injuries
Approximately 294,000 nonfatal hospital workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in 2014. Furthermore, studies show that hospitals have some of the most hazardous working environments in the United States. Hospital workers must lift and transfer patients, serve mentally handicapped or potentially violent patients, and treat sick and contagious patients every day. In addition, hospital workers must handle a variety of sharp tools and devices, such as syringes, on a daily basis. These factors increase the risk of an occupational injury or disease.
Common hospital workplace injuries include:
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Punctures or cuts
- Bone fractures
- Soreness and bruises
Occupational injuries in hospitals are often caused by overexertion, handling violent patients, exposure to harmful substances and sharp objects, and slips and falls. While workplace injuries commonly affect hospital workers, illnesses also take a toll. Common diseases include respiratory conditions, skin disorders, and other viruses and bacterial infections contracted from patients.
Workplace injuries can occur to anyone working in a hospital environment, including surgical hospitals, general medical hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, specialty hospitals, and substance abuse hospitals. Whether you are a physician, registered nurse, lab technician, nursing aid, or other practitioner, you can pursue compensation for an injury or disease you sustained from your workplace. Depending on the situation, you may be able to seek medical benefits, wage benefits, and disability benefits.
Dangers of Working in a Hospital While Injured
All workplace injuries demand serious attention, yet injuries occurring within a hospital setting arguably warrant an additional level of focus and care. Trying to work in a hospital or another medical setting while injured not only puts you at risk of worsening your injuries but can also end up hurting a patient who is dependent on you for treatments and assistance. If you hurt your back, for example, and you attempt to move a patient, then you could both fall over.
Occupational illnesses are also dangerous and require you to do your best to stay safe, which probably includes not going to work or being near others. If you are sick while working in a medical setting, then you could unintentionally spread your illness to patients, putting them in jeopardy. Your immune system is compromised when you are sick, too, so you could put yourself at a heightened risk of catching other illnesses from patients.
The bottom line is that working in a hospital or clinic with a work-related injury is unsafe. Insurance companies need to acknowledge as much and approve all workers’ comp claims efficiently.
Using Internal Records to Prove Your Injury
A common insurance company tactic to deny hospital workplace injury claims is to say that the claimant’s injuries were preexisting or unrelated to their work. Without proper preparation, you could have a difficult time refuting that claim and getting the workers’ comp benefits you need. On the other hand, if you have access to tangible evidence of your injury’s history, then you might be able to easily counter the insurance company’s efforts to refute your claim. Internal records from your employer can go a long way in proving your case.
Internal or employment-related documents that can help your case include:
- Accident reports filed with your supervisor or employer
- Previous complaints of alike injuries, like worsening back pain
- Similar injuries or illnesses among coworkers
- Opinions from medical professionals
Experienced Representation for Hospital Workers’ Comp Cases
At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to providing quality legal services for each client. Whatever your situation, we can help you file a workers’ comp claim and represent you in court if necessary. With a proven track record, including million-dollar results for clients, we can use our experience to provide legal advice and assistance as you seek a favorable outcome.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation. Call (770) 922-3660.
