Healthcare workers are the backbone of our communities, tirelessly caring for patients and putting their well-being first.
However, working in the healthcare field comes with its own set of risks, including exposure to contagious diseases, handling dangerous equipment, and the physical strain of patient care.
If you’re a healthcare worker in North Carolina, it’s crucial to understand your rights under the state’s workers’ compensation system, especially if you’ve been injured or become ill due to your job.
Understanding Healthcare Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina
When it comes to healthcare workers’ compensation, North Carolina law provides protections and benefits to ensure that injured or ill workers receive the care and financial support they need.
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation services if you cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness.
For healthcare workers, these injuries might include anything from needlestick injuries and exposure to infectious diseases to muscle strains from lifting patients.
Understanding your rights under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws is essential to protecting your health and financial stability.
Common Injuries Among Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers face a variety of risks in their day-to-day duties. Some of the most common injuries in this field include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries. Lifting and transferring patients or moving heavy equipment can lead to serious back and neck injuries. Over time, repetitive strain can also cause wear and tear injuries, which are common in this line of work.
- Needlestick injuries. Accidental needle sticks pose significant risks, potentially leading to exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV or hepatitis.
- Exposure to infectious diseases. Healthcare workers are often on the front lines of infectious disease outbreaks, making them more susceptible to illnesses like the flu, tuberculosis, or COVID-19.
- Slips, trips, and falls. Hospital floors can be hazardous, with wet surfaces, clutter, and equipment posing significant slip, trip, and fall risks.
If a hospital employee is injured on the job, whether from one of these common risks or another work-related incident, they have the right to seek compensation through North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system.
What to Do If an Employee of a Hospital Is Injured on the Job
If you or someone you know gets injured on the job or develops a work-related illness, there are several steps you should take to protect your right to healthcare workers’ comp benefits:
Report the Injury Immediately
North Carolina law requires that you report your injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the incident. Failure to do so could jeopardize your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s crucial to see a doctor promptly after your injury. Your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company may have a list of approved healthcare providers you’ll need to see for your initial treatment.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file your claim. It’s essential to complete and submit these forms as soon as possible to begin receiving benefits.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Adhering to your treatment plan is essential for your recovery and maintaining your eligibility for benefits. If you fail to follow your doctor’s instructions, your workers’ compensation benefits could be reduced or denied.
What Benefits Are Available Under Medical Workers’ Compensation?
Under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system, healthcare workers may be entitled to several types of benefits:
- Medical benefits. All necessary medical treatment related to your injury or illness should be covered, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive TTD benefits, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by the state.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. If your injury results in permanent damage, but you are still able to work, you may be entitled to PPD benefits.
- Vocational rehabilitation. If you cannot return to your previous job, workers’ compensation may cover retraining or education to help you find new employment.
The exact amount each claim is worth depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of injuries. A workers’ compensation attorney is an extremely valuable asset in determining fair compensation.
Understanding North Carolina Statutes and Laws
North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act governs healthcare workers’ compensation, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers. According to the Act, most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides coverage for injuries and illnesses arising out of and during employment.
Healthcare workers should also be familiar with the “exclusive remedy” rule under North Carolina law. This rule states that workers’ compensation is generally the sole remedy for work-related injuries, barring most lawsuits against employers for negligence. However, there are exceptions, particularly in cases of intentional harm or gross negligence.
Challenges Healthcare Workers May Face in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Despite the protections, healthcare workers may face unique challenges when filing for medical workers’ compensation. For example, proving you contracted an illness like COVID-19 at work rather than in the community can be difficult.
Additionally, the physical and emotional demands of healthcare work may lead to injuries or conditions that develop gradually, making it difficult to prove that they are work-related.
Healthcare workers are also more likely to face scrutiny over whether their injuries are work-related, especially in cases involving repetitive strain or wear and tear injuries. This is why having a knowledgeable attorney on your side is so important.
Why You Should Contact Mehta & McConnell
Navigating the complexities of healthcare workers’ comp claims can be overwhelming when you’re already dealing with an injury or illness. Mehta & McConnell is here to help.
Our compassionate and experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges healthcare workers face and are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
If you’re a hospital employee injured on the job or dealing with the aftermath of a work-related illness, don’t hesitate to contact us.
We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to appealing denials, ensuring your rights are protected.
Contact Mehta & McConnell today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your healthcare workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina.
Jason McConnell
Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.
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