Why Nurses Should Seek Representation for Workplace Injuries
Nursing is one of the largest professions in the United States healthcare industry. There are over 3.8 million registered nurses in the US, and that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Nurses play a significant role in the medical field, as they help patients and work as caregivers for many different patients each day. A day of responsibilities for a nurse may vary depending on their specialty. However, many nurses encounter mild to severe injuries for various reasons while on the job.
At Mintz Law Firm, our skilled team is dedicated to helping injured people. If you are a nurse and have sustained workplace injuries, you should understand your rights. Continue reading to learn more about why you should seek legal representation after sustaining workplace injuries as a Colorado nurse.
Types of Injuries Nurses May Encounter While on the Job
The possibility of sustaining workplace injuries as a nurse remains high. In previous studies, a rate of 53.1 cases of injuries per 10,000 full-time workers was discovered in the nursing field alone, and this is significantly greater than the averages in other occupations. Due to the nature of their work, healthcare workers often encounter hazardous materials, increased risk of needle-stick injuries, back injuries, and injuries from combative patients.
Regardless of the cause or reason an injury occurred, nurses have the legal right to hire a lawyer for representation in a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit. Here are common types of damages nurses may endure while on the job:
Musculoskeletal
Bulging discs, herniated discs, muscle tears, pinched nerves, spinal cord injury, sprains, torn ligaments, and various soft tissue injuries are a few examples of musculoskeletal injuries.
Sharps and Biohazard
Sharps can transmit HIV, hepatitis B or C, and blood-borne pathogens while working needles and sharps containers. Hazardous drug or chemical exposure may also occur during hospital or healthcare office accidents.
Mental Health
Nursing may become very taxing, overwhelming, and stressful for nurses in the field. Long hours, hefty workloads, and workplace conditions may play a role in declining mental health, one of the adverse effects of working a stressful job.
Workplace Violence
Nurses work with many different people and patients regularly. Depending on their field, they may encounter combative patients, angry family members, or trouble with co-workers. After a workplace violence incident, seeking a lawyer may help you resolve your case.
Other Injuries and Accidents
Depending on workplace conditions and environments, nurses may encounter different injuries from accidents on the job like in any other occupation. Slip and fall accidents, machinery or equipment injuries, and other cases may occur.
Nurses’ injuries may vary, and it is essential to maintain mental, physical, and emotional health in any occupation. Although nurses may work in a very stressful and taxing field, they do not have to ignore their injuries and the adverse effects of their responsibilities in the workplace.
How a Lawyer Provides Skilled Legal Representation for Injured Nurses
Although you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after sustaining workplace injuries as a nurse in Colorado, it is possible that your claim could be denied or that you find trouble obtaining the total compensation and benefits. A Denver workers’ compensation lawyer will fight for your rights and represent you regarding your injuries and the compensation owed to you.
Below are some benefits of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer:
- A skilled lawyer can revisit your claim and restart the process of recovering compensation after a claim has been denied.
- Experienced attorneys understand insurance company tactics and negotiate the best outcome and compensation you deserve.
- An attorney strengthens your case in a courtroom. While you may be recovering from injuries and dealing with the stress in a courtroom, your lawyer represents you and protects your rights.
- Lawyers help you with all legal matters, so if your case is scrutinized or your injuries are claimed to not be from the workplace, a lawyer can fight aggressively in your workers’ compensation case.
Since Colorado residents have a statute of limitations, it is essential to notify your employer in writing of any injuries within the four-day deadline following the injury that occurs in the workplace. Seek an expert lawyer to guide you in the process, and file a claim within two years of the injury if your employer fails to respond. A lawyer understands the law and what you endure as an injured nurse. You do not have to fight and defend yourself on your own.
Contact Mintz Law Firm for Expert Legal Counsel in Your Colorado Workers’ Compensation Case
Nurses encounter many stressors and situations that can injure their well-being. You have a legal right to seek compensation for your injuries under workers’ compensation. If your claim is denied or if you have failed to receive full benefits, our Mintz Law Firm attorney can help you. If you have sustained work-related injuries as a nurse, contact our office by filling out our contact form, or call us at (303) 462-2999 to schedule a free consultation.