Healthcare Worker Injuries

Experienced Miami Workplace Injury Attorneys Committed to Helping Injured Medical Workers Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Working in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of risks. As a healthcare worker, you face unique challenges that put you at risk for all types of injuries—some minor and some very serious. If you’ve been injured while working as a healthcare worker, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that would cover your medical expenses and provide you with ongoing compensation during your recovery period and even after.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we’ve assembled a dedicated team of Miami workers’ compensation lawyers who have handled countless claims in South Florida, including in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County. We understand the industry, the legal concepts involved, and what it will take to connect you with the benefits you deserve for what you’ve been through.

Healthcare workers often find themselves in situations that can lead to injury. Whether you’re lifting patients, handling hazardous materials, or working long shifts, the nature of your job increases the likelihood of getting hurt. Below are some of the most common injuries healthcare workers in Miami face:

Musculoskeletal Injuries: Lifting and moving patients is a significant part of many healthcare jobs. Unfortunately, this can lead to neck and back injuries, sprains, and strains. Repetitive motions and awkward postures can also contribute to musculoskeletal problems, causing long-term pain and discomfort. Even pre-existing conditions can be aggravated by this type of work.

Needlestick Injuries: Handling needles and other sharp objects puts you at risk of accidental punctures. These injuries are not only painful but also dangerous, as they can expose you to bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis.

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Hospitals and clinics can be fast-paced environments with slippery floors and cluttered walkways. It’s easy to slip on a wet floor or trip over medical equipment, leading to fractures, disc herniations, sprains, and other injuries.

Violence-Related Injuries: Sadly, healthcare workers can sometimes face violence from patients or their families or even other members of the community. This can result in physical injuries as well as emotional trauma.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Working with chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases puts you at risk of exposure. This can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and long-term health problems.

Healthcare is a major industry in Miami. And the many healthcare providers in the area employ tens of thousands of residents. Some of the largest healthcare provider employers in Miami-Dade County include the following:

• Jackson Health System - Over 12,000 employees
• Baptist Health South Florida - Over 23,000 employees
• University of Miami Health System (UHealth) - Approximately 12,500 employees
• Nicklaus Children's Hospital - Approximately 3,500 employees
• Mount Sinai Medical Center - Over 4,000 employees
• Mercy Hospital - Part of HCA Healthcare, with thousands of employees
• Miami VA Healthcare System - Over 3,000 employees
• Memorial Healthcare System - Over 13,000 employees
• Larkin Community Hospital - Approximately 1,400 employees
• HCA Florida Kendall Hospital - Part of HCA Healthcare, with thousands of employees

If you’re injured on the job, you may be entitled to several types of benefits under workers' compensation law in Florida. A Miami workers' compensation lawyer from our well respected firm can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the compensation and medical benefits you deserve based on your needs. Here are the main benefits you might be entitled to:

Medical Benefits: Workers' compensation should cover the cost of medical treatment related to your injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, and physical therapy.

Wage Replacement: If your injury prevents you from working, you might be eligible for temporary total or partial disability benefits. These benefits replace a significant portion of your lost wages while you recover. The amount paid per week is based on the average of your earnings during the three months prior to your date of injury.

Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury leads to a permanent disability, you may receive additional compensation. The amount can depend on the permanent impairment rating assigned for your disability by the doctor.

Vocational Rehabilitation: If you’re unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, workers' compensation may cover the cost of retraining or education for a new job.

Death Benefits: In the tragic event that a healthcare worker dies due to a workplace injury, their dependents may receive death benefits. These benefits can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to surviving family members.

If you get injured at work, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your rights. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical help immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and create a medical record of your injury.

Report the Injury: Notify your employer about the accident as soon as possible. There are time limits for reporting workplace injuries, and failing to do so could jeopardize your claim.

Document Everything: Keep detailed records of the accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you receive. This information will be crucial when filing a workers' compensation claim.

File a Workers' Compensation Claim: Submit a claim to your employer's workers' compensation insurance. This process can be complex, and having a Miami workers' compensation lawyer from our firm on your side helping to put the claim through can make a significant difference in the end result.

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: Adhering to your treatment plan is essential for your recovery and your workers' compensation claim. Missing appointments or not following medical advice could hurt your case and affect the benefits you receive.

If you’ve been injured as a healthcare worker, the dedicated Miami workers’ compensation lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada are here to help. For more than 45 years, we’ve stood alongside workers, recovering benefit awards that allow our clients to recover from their injuries, get back to work, and get on with their lives. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer who has specific experience handling claims involving healthcare worker injuries, call (305) 448-8585. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.