Nursing Home Workers’ Injuries: Seeking Compensation in LA
Working in a nursing home is physically demanding and often emotionally taxing. Employees care for elderly and vulnerable individuals, usually requiring heavy lifting, assisting with mobility, and managing medical emergencies. These responsibilities expose nursing home workers to significant risks of workplace injuries. In Los Angeles, workers facing such challenges may be entitled to compensation if injured. Understanding the process of seeking workers’ compensation and the role of a skilled attorney can be crucial for protecting these workers’ rights.
Common Injuries Faced by Nursing Home Workers
Nursing home workers encounter several types of injuries due to the nature of their work. Some of the most common include:
- Back and Musculoskeletal Injuries: Lifting and moving residents can lead to severe back strain, sprains, and long-term musculoskeletal damage. Repetitive motion injuries from daily tasks can exacerbate these problems.
- Slips and Falls: Wet floors, misplaced equipment, and obstacles in hallways increase the risk of slipping and falling. These accidents often result in broken bones, bruises, and head injuries.
- Infections and Exposure to Illness: Nursing home workers frequently handle medical waste and are in close contact with residents who may have infectious diseases, making them susceptible to illness and infection.
- Violence from Residents: Dealing with residents suffering from cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, putting workers at risk of being hit, bitten, or otherwise injured.
Workers’ Compensation Rights for Nursing Home Workers
Injuries sustained by nursing home employees may make them eligible for workers’ compensation, a benefit system designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages resulting from workplace accidents. In California, including Los Angeles, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring workers who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses receive the financial support they need. However, the process of filing a claim is not always straightforward.
Securing compensation requires workers to report their injuries promptly, complete the necessary paperwork, and undergo medical evaluations. While this may seem simple, complications can arise, particularly if an employer disputes the severity of the injury or denies that the injury is work-related. For this reason, many injured workers choose to consult with a worker’s compensation attorney in Los Angeles.
How a Workers Compensation Attorney Can Help
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming, especially for nursing home employees who are already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. A Los Angeles workers compensation attorney can be a valuable asset in ensuring injured workers receive the full benefits to which they are entitled. Some of the critical services an attorney can provide include:
- Assistance with Filing Claims: Filing a workers compensation claim requires meticulous attention to detail. An attorney can help gather medical records, complete paperwork accurately, and ensure that deadlines are met.
- Handling Denied Claims: If a claim is denied or disputed by the employer’s insurance company, an attorney can appeal the decision and advocate on behalf of the injured worker.
- Maximizing Compensation: Workers’ compensation benefits often cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, but depending on the severity of the injury, additional compensation may be needed for long-term care. An attorney can assess the extent of the injury and argue for appropriate compensation.
Returning to Work After an Injury
Returning to work begins once a nursing home worker’s injury has been treated and stabilized. In many cases, workers may need to transition back into their roles gradually, often with modified duties or reduced hours. California law mandates that employers accommodate workers recovering from injuries by providing temporary assignments that suit their abilities. However, disputes sometimes arise regarding the worker’s ability to return to their original position or whether they need permanent accommodations.
If a worker faces discrimination or retaliation for seeking workers’ compensation or needing accommodations, an experienced attorney can help protect their rights. The team at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry has extensive experience in defending workers’ rights and can offer the legal support needed during these challenging times.
Conclusion
Nursing home workers in Los Angeles perform essential services, but they also face significant risks of injury while doing their jobs. When accidents occur, it is necessary to act quickly to secure medical treatment and financial compensation. Hiring a knowledgeable Los Angeles worker’s compensation attorney can make all the difference in ensuring a successful claim and avoiding pitfalls. Workers at nursing homes deserve to focus on recovery, not fighting for their rights alone. The attorneys at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry can provide the necessary legal guidance to help injured workers get the compensation they are owed.
