At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, we specialize in representing workers’ injured on the job, particularly those who have suffered workplace injuries while working in hospitals. As legal professionals with extensive experience in workers’ compensation cases, we understand the unique challenges hospital workers’ face and the various daily risks and hazards.
We have seen firsthand how these injuries can impact a person’s physical and financial life. Our attorneys are passionate about helping injured workers’ navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve. We strive to provide our clients with compassionate, personalized legal representation and ensure they receive the best possible outcome for their cases.
If you have suffered a workplace injury while working in a hospital in Florida, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and we are here to help. Please feel free to contact our law firm for a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in your legal journey.
Statistics Related to Hospital Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Florida
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the healthcare and social assistance industry, which includes hospitals, has one of the highest rates of occupational injuries and illnesses.
According to data from the Florida Department of Health, 4,961 work-related injuries and illnesses were reported in Florida hospitals in 2020, resulting in a rate of 4.4 injuries per 100 full-time equivalent workers’.
The most common injuries reported in Florida hospitals include musculoskeletal disorders from patient handling, slips and falls, and exposure to harmful substances. In particular, nurses, nursing assistants, and orderlies have some of the highest rates of injuries due to patient handling.
It’s important to note that these statistics may not capture the full extent of workplace injuries in hospitals, as some injuries may go unreported or not be captured by the data. Nonetheless, the high rate of injuries in the healthcare industry underscores the importance of workplace safety measures and the need for hospital workers’ to be aware of the risks they face.
Common Causes of Hospital Workplace Accidents in Florida
Hospital workers’ in Florida face a variety of hazards on the job, and workplace accidents can have serious consequences for their health and well-being. Some of the most common causes of hospital workplace accidents in Florida include:
- Patient handling injuries: Hospital workers’ who provide direct patient care, such as nurses, nursing assistants, and orderlies, are at risk of musculoskeletal injuries from lifting and moving patients.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors, cluttered workspaces, and other hazards can cause hospital workers’ to slip, trip, or fall, resulting in serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
- Needlestick injuries: Healthcare workers’ who handle needles and other sharp instruments are at risk of needlestick injuries, which can result in the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
- Violence: Hospital workers’ may be subjected to verbal or physical assault by patients or their family members, particularly in emergencies or psychiatric care settings.
- Chemical exposure: Hospital workers’ may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning agents and anesthetic gases, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health problems.
- Radiation exposure: Workers’ in radiology and other departments may be exposed to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Overall, hospital workplace accidents in Florida can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of hospital workers’. Hospitals must take steps to minimize these risks and ensure their employees have a safe and healthy work environment.
Common Injuries Experienced by Hospital Workers’ in Florida
Hospital workers’ in Florida face a range of hazards on the job, which can result in various injuries. Some of the most common injuries experienced by hospital workers’ in Florida include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Hospital workers’ who provide direct patient care, such as nurses, nursing assistants, and orderlies, are at risk of musculoskeletal injuries from lifting and moving patients. These injuries can include strains, sprains, and back injuries.
- Needlestick injuries: Healthcare workers’ who handle needles and other sharp instruments are at risk of needlestick injuries, which can result in the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries: Wet floors, cluttered workspaces, and other hazards can cause hospital workers’ to slip, trip, or fall, resulting in serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
- Infectious diseases: Hospital workers’ are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS, especially if they come into contact with patients’ bodily fluids or tissues.
- Violence-related injuries: Hospital workers’ may be subjected to verbal or physical assault by patients or their family members, particularly in emergency or psychiatric care settings. These injuries can range from minor bruises and scratches to serious physical harm.
- Chemical exposure injuries: Hospital workers’ may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning agents and anesthetic gases, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health problems.
- Radiation exposure injuries: Workers’ in radiology and other departments may be exposed to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Florida hospital workers’ are at risk of a wide range of injuries on the job. Hospitals must take steps to minimize these risks and ensure their employees have a safe and healthy work environment.
Workers’ Compensation Claim Filing Process and Potential Benefits for Florida Hospital Workers’
If you are a hospital worker in Florida who has been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation provides medical and wage benefits to employees who have been injured or become ill due to their work.
The workers’ compensation claim process for injured hospital workers’ in Florida typically involves the following steps:
- Report the injury: You should report your injury to your supervisor or employer immediately. In Florida, you have 30 days from the date of the injury to report it to your employer, but it’s best to report it as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment: You should immediately seek medical treatment for your injury. Your employer or insurance carrier may have a list of approved healthcare providers you can use.
- File a claim: You or your employer must file a workers’ compensation claim with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. This claim must be filed within two years of the date of the injury.
- Attend an independent medical examination: You may be required to attend an independent medical examination with a healthcare provider selected by your employer or their insurance carrier.
- Receive benefits: If your claim is approved, you may receive benefits such as medical treatment, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent impairment.
The specific benefits you may be entitled to will depend on the nature and severity of your injury. In general, workers’ compensation benefits for injured hospital workers’ in Florida may include the following:
- Medical treatment: Workers’ compensation should cover the costs of necessary medical treatment related to your injury.
- Wage replacement: You may be eligible for wage replacement benefits if your injury prevents you from working.
- Compensation for permanent impairment: If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous job, workers’ compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you obtain new employment.
Overall, if you are a hospital worker in Florida who has been injured on the job, it’s essential to understand your rights under the workers’ compensation system and to seek the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, if necessary, to help you navigate the claim process and obtain the benefits you deserve.
Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Can Help You Recover the Benefits You Are Entitled To
Hospital workers’ in Florida are at risk of a wide range of injuries on the job, which can seriously affect their health and well-being. Fortunately, workers’ compensation provides a safety net for injured workers’ by providing medical and wage benefits to those who have been injured or become ill due to their work.
The workers’ compensation claim process for injured hospital workers’ in Florida can be complex. Still, with the help of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, injured workers’ can navigate the system and obtain the benefits they deserve.
It’s important for hospital workers’ in Florida to understand their rights under the workers’ compensation system and to report any workplace injuries to their employer as soon as possible. By taking these steps, injured workers’ can receive the necessary care and compensation to recover from their injuries and return to work.