When you think of the most dangerous jobs, working in a hospital is probably not at the top of your list. In reality, Ohio hospital workers face a higher risk of an injury and missing a day of work than individuals who work in construction or manufacturing. Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and techs put their own health and safety at risk every time they walk through the door, it can be remarkably hard for them to secure workers’ compensation benefits when needed.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the average hospital injury can cost far more than $10,000. Estimates also suggest that the total cost of hospital injuries is around $2 billion annually. The steep cost of injuries may be one reason why employers and insurance providers may make it difficult to secure money needed for recovery.
The hidden dangers of working in a hospital
Despite the fact that people go to hospitals to recover from sicknesses and injuries, the men and women who provide these services often have to place their own well-being on the line to provide adequate care. The most common reasons why hospital workers experience injury include:
- Overexertion
- Sprains and strains
- Slip-and-falls or trip-and-falls
- Contact with dangerous objects
- Violence
Some of the injuries experienced by hospital workers can be quite serious. Severe injuries may require time off from work, and every shift missed is less money and more inconvenience for both the victim and the hospital.
By securing workers’ compensation benefits, a worker can get the full scope of medical care required for a full recovery. Delaying these claims not only delays when a worker can recover and return to work, but may also end up costing more. A hospital worker who is seeking workers’ compensation benefits will find it beneficial to seek assistance in order to navigate delays or complications in order to reach a beneficial resolution.
What workers’ compensation benefits could you receive?
The benefits for which you may be eligible depend on the nature of your injury and the type of treatment you may need in order to obtain a full recovery. Some of the benefits that you may seek through a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Lost wages
- Medical care
- Rehabilitation costs
- Therapy
- Vocational retraining
After experiencing an injury while working in a hospital, you may benefit from the assistance of an attorney who can help you with every step of the workers’ compensation claims process. Your legal ally can help you pursue your rightful benefits and confront any attempts to delay or deny your claim.