Healthcare workers dedicate their careers to caring for others. But the physical and emotional demands of the job also make nurses and other medical professionals some of the workers most at risk for on-the-job injuries and occupational illnesses.
Whether you work in a hospital, doctor's office, nursing home, rehabilitation center, urgent care, home health agency, or as a traveling nurse, a workplace injury can interrupt your career and your income. Understanding your Workers' Compensation rights is an important first step toward protecting both.
At MCV Law, we've helped healthcare professionals across New York navigate the Workers' Compensation system after workplace injuries and illnesses. Here's what every nurse and healthcare worker should know.
Common Workplace Injuries for Nurses and Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals face unique hazards that many other occupations don't.
Some of the most common Workers' Compensation claims involve:
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries from lifting or repositioning patients
- Knee, ankle, and wrist injuries from slips, trips, and falls
- Repetitive stress injuries from years of patient care
- Exposure to infectious diseases and occupational illnesses
- Needle stick and sharps injuries
- Injuries caused by violent or combative patients
- Chemical or hazardous substance exposure
- Injuries caused by overexertion during long shifts
Not every workplace injury happens in a dramatic accident. Many develop gradually over months or years of physically demanding work.
Travel Nurses and Temporary Healthcare Staff Have Rights Too
Travel nurses and other temporary healthcare professionals sometimes assume they have fewer legal protections because they work through staffing agencies or rotate between facilities.
In reality, many travel nurses are still covered by Workers' Compensation after a work-related injury. Determining which employer or insurance carrier is responsible can sometimes be more complicated, but your right to benefits doesn't disappear simply because your assignment changes.
If you're unsure who should be handling your claim, speaking with an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney can help clarify your options.
Workers' Compensation Can Cover More Than Medical Bills
Many injured healthcare workers think Workers' Compensation only pays for medical treatment.
Depending on your situation, benefits may also include:
- Medical treatment
- Wage replacement benefits while you're unable to work
- Payments for permanent injuries
- Reimbursement for medical travel expenses
- Vocational rehabilitation in certain situations
Making sure your claim is handled correctly from the beginning can help protect the benefits you're entitled to receive.
Don't Assume Every Problem Is "Just Part of the Job"
Healthcare professionals are accustomed to working through pain.
Unfortunately, many nurses delay reporting injuries because they don't want to burden coworkers, or they assume soreness is simply part of the profession.
Waiting to report an injury can make your claim more difficult.
If you've been hurt while performing your job duties, report the injury promptly, seek medical treatment, and understand your legal rights.
You're Not Alone During the Workers' Compensation Process
Many injured healthcare workers find that the legal process becomes almost as stressful as the injury itself.
Questions about delayed checks, denied treatment, medical appointments, work restrictions, and insurance paperwork can quickly become overwhelming.
At MCV Law, every Workers' Compensation client is supported not only by an experienced attorney, but also by a dedicated Client Advocate who helps answer questions, resolve day-to-day issues, and keep your case moving forward throughout the life of your claim.
How MCV Law Helps Injured Healthcare Workers
Our Workers' Compensation team regularly works with hospitals, physicians, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and other medical providers while representing injured workers.
We understand the demands placed on nurses, direct care workers, EMTs, CNAs, LPNs, respiratory therapists, home health aides, technicians, and other healthcare professionals because we've represented many of them over the years.
If you've been injured while caring for others, we're here to help you protect your rights and pursue the benefits you're entitled to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can nurses receive Workers' Compensation in New York?
Yes. Nurses injured while performing their job duties may qualify for Workers' Compensation benefits regardless of whether they work in a hospital, nursing home, physician's office, rehabilitation facility, or other healthcare setting.
Are travel nurses covered by Workers' Compensation?
Many are. Coverage depends on your employment arrangement, but travel nurses often qualify for Workers' Compensation benefits after a work-related injury or illness.
What injuries are most common for healthcare workers?
Some of the most common injuries include lifting injuries, back and shoulder strains, slips and falls, repetitive stress injuries, infectious disease exposure, needle stick injuries, and injuries caused by patient assaults.
What should I do after a workplace injury?
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, seek appropriate medical care, and speak with an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney to understand your rights.
Can I receive benefits if my injury developed over time?
Yes. Not every Workers' Compensation claim involves a single accident. Many repetitive stress injuries and occupational illnesses develop gradually and may still qualify for benefits.
Call MCV Law Today
If you're a nurse, traveling nurse, or healthcare professional who has been injured on the job, MCV Law is here to help.
Our experienced Workers' Compensation attorneys and dedicated Client Advocate team will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Call MCV Law today for a free consultation. 315-471-1664
About Chris: Christopher Stringham, Esq. is a Partner at MCV Law. He helps clients get their lives back after life-altering events, serving communities across Syracuse and the greater Central New York region. Chris graduated from Western New England University School of Law and serves as the President of the Injured Workers' Bar Association (IWBA) and the Chair of the Syracuse Occupational Health Clinic Advisory Board. Contact Christopher: [email protected]