864-686-4827 
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS?
Healthcare workers are at risk of exposure to a variety of hazards, including needlestick injuries, back injuries, and exposure to radiation, hazardous drugs, and infectious agents. Healthcare workers are also at a greater risk of occupational exposure to sharp injuries due to the frequent handling of needles and other sharp objects during their daily duties, which could also pose a risk of infection.
In addition, workers in certain settings, such as an emergency room or mental health facility, may be exposed to aggressive patients who try to kick, punch or otherwise injure them by accident (or, in some cases, on purpose), making assault by patients another occupational hazard. The risky nature of healthcare professions became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when many workers contracted the virus while caring for COVID-19-positive patients.
WHAT COUNTS AS A WORK INJURY FOR A HEALTHCARE WORKER?
In South Carolina, work injuries covered by workers’ comp include any injuries or illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment, including slips and falls, overexertion, or contact with hazardous or infectious materials. Healthcare workers may also be eligible for workers’ compensation if they are injured while transporting patients or equipment or after suffering injuries sustained from aggression by patients.
Additionally, healthcare workers may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer from an occupational disease as a result of their work environment. For instance, if a healthcare worker develops work-related carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of repetitive motions performed during their job, the treatment for that condition could be covered by workers’ comp as long as the worker is able to prove that what they are experiencing is a direct result of their job activities and not due to a separate event.
ARE WORK-RELATED STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES COVERED BY WORKERS’ COMP?
Healthcare workers typically experience high rates of burnout, depression, and anxiety, likely due to the physical and emotional demands of the job. This situation appears to have been aggravated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many healthcare workers experienced significant emotional distress due to the high demands of their job and the risk of exposure to the virus. The shortage of healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a source of work-related emotional distress for many healthcare workers.
South Carolina workers’ compensation may cover stress-related psychological and mental health conditions that arise out of and in the course of employment. Employees may be eligible for benefits if they can show that the work-related activities or their work environment are the root cause of their stress or mental anguish that impairs their ability to work. Filing a workers’ compensation claim for job-related emotional distress, mental health issues, and other psychological issues is not always easy, and it is common for many claims to be denied. If you are a healthcare worker experiencing mental health issues related to your job, it may be best to seek the advice of a workers’ comp attorney before filing a claim.
WHY IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO HIRE A WORKERS’ COMP LAWYER FOR MY CLAIM?
A workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate the potentially complex process of filing a workers’ comp claim, providing insight into the strength of your claim and advising you on the best way to move forward with your case.
By working with a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer, you can rest assured that your rights are being protected throughout the entire workers’ comp process, from filing the initial claim to appealing a denied claim if necessary. Furthermore, your lawyer can offer guidance throughout any other crucial steps, such as navigating the appeals process and advocating for a fair outcome.
In addition, workers’ comp lawyers are well-versed in the tactics used by workers’ comp insurance companies to deny, delay, or minimize claims. They can help identify if an insurance company is attempting to deny a legitimate claim in bad faith and will work to ensure that the injured worker is provided with the full compensation to which they are entitled. Workers’ comp lawyers can fight for the maximum financial award that an injured worker is due, doing their best to ensure that the workers’ rights are protected and their interests are represented.
By hiring a workers’ compensation attorney such as the ones at the Eller Law Firm, you can have the peace of mind of knowing your case is in good hands and that you have a strong legal ally working on your behalf. As a healthcare worker on the front lines, you deserve fair treatment if you become injured or ill after taking care of others. The Eller Frye Law Firm is located in Greenville, South Carolina, and focuses on assisting injured workers in asserting their rights to fair benefits. If you have been hurt at work or have questions, contact our firm at (864) 686-4827.