What to Do if You’ve Been Injured on the Job as a Healthcare Worker in North Carolina

Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to caring for others, but the nature of their work often exposes them to significant risks. From lifting patients to dealing with infectious diseases, healthcare workers in North Carolina face a range of occupational hazards. If you’ve been injured on the job, understanding the steps to take and your rights under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws is crucial for protecting your health and financial well-being.

Here, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. explain.

Common Injuries Among North Carolina Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers often face unique workplace risks directly associated with their roles within different facilities.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Lifting heavy patients and moving equipment can lead to back, neck, and joint injuries.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, cluttered hallways, and loose cords can result in serious falls.
• Needlestick Injuries: Handling needles and sharp instruments puts workers at risk of puncture wounds and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Violence in the Workplace: Healthcare workers may face physical assaults from patients or visitors, leading to injuries or emotional trauma.

Steps to Take After a Healthcare Workplace Injury in North Carolina

If you’ve been injured while working in healthcare, taking the following steps can protect your health and your workers’ compensation claim:

• Report the Injury to Your Employer: North Carolina law requires injured workers to provide written notice to their employer within 30 days of the injury. Include details about the date, time, and nature of the incident.
• Document Everything: Record the incident, including photos of the hazard (if applicable), witness statements, and medical reports. Detailed documentation will strengthen your workers’ compensation claim.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be top priorities. Immediately notify your supervisor or employer and seek medical care from an approved provider.
• File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee) to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This form officially notifies the state of your injury and begins the claims process.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan to ensure recovery and maintain workers’ compensation benefits eligibility.

Understanding Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits

As a healthcare worker in North Carolina, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which may include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for treatments, medications, and rehabilitation services related to your injury.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Compensation for lost wages while you cannot work.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Benefits if your injury results in long-term impairment.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with training or job placement if you cannot return to your previous role.

Despite the protections provided by North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws, injured healthcare workers may encounter obstacles, such as:

• Delayed approval for medical treatments.
• Denied claims due to lack of evidence.
• Pressure to return to work prematurely.

You do not have to take your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider’s word for what your injury requires or what your claim is worth. We can help.

How the Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. Can Help

At Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys understand healthcare workers’ unique challenges. We are dedicated to helping injured workers navigate the complexities of the claims process, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

Our team will:

• Assist with filing and managing your claim.
• Advocate for necessary medical treatments.
• Appeal denied claims and fight for your rights.

If you’ve been injured on the job as a healthcare worker in North Carolina, don’t face the challenges alone. Contact our dedicated Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation attorneys at the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. at 704-376-1616 or online for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.