Delaware Workers Compensation for Doctors, Nurses & Healthcare Workers
Protecting those who protect our health in Wilmington, Seaford, Newark and throughout Delaware
You go to the hospital when you need emergency care, or if you are feeling sick, but have you ever thought about the hazards that health care workers face each day on the job? The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that hospitals are one of the most dangerous places to work. While healthcare occupations are projected to grow 18 percent between now and 2026, adding about 2.4 million new jobs, these workers sustain injuries at a rate of 1.8 per 100 full-time workers injured at work with 1.1 injuries per 100 full-time workers requiring time away from work. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
At the injury law firm of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we are here to fight for the rights of healthcare workers who are injured on the job. You are welcome to schedule a free consultation to discuss your workplace injury case today.
Delaware workers’ compensation for healthcare workers
Workers’ compensation is a state program that provides a no-fault temporary disability benefit, medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation services and a death benefit for those who have lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident.
Delaware workers’ compensation also covers lump sum payments for the permanent loss of use of a body part, such as a hand or a foot, or for vision or hearing loss. If your workplace injury makes it impossible to perform the duties of your job and you must take a different, lower-paying job because of it, you can receive benefits to compensate you for a portion of the difference in salary.
If you are hurt at work, you must inform your supervisor right away and seek medical attention and inform your doctor that it is a work-related injury. For a serious injury that will require days away from work, your next step will be file a workers’ compensation claim.
If your employer’s insurer denies your claim for workers’ compensation benefits, you may benefit from consulting with a Delaware workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Common hazards and injuries for healthcare workers
In doing work that helps others heal, hospital healthcare workers have grueling schedules and they are exposed to countless hazards each day as they do their work. Here are some examples of the various safety hazards healthcare workers might be exposed to each day:
- Ergonomic hazards due to moving and lifting
- Bloodborne pathogens and other bio-hazards
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals
- Exposure to radioactive materials and X-rays
- Workplace violence
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the most common injuries that healthcare workers are prone to sustain that result in days away from work include:
- Overexertion and bodily reaction
- Slip, trip, and fall
- Contact with objects
- Violence
- Exposure to substances
These types of workplace accidents can result in muscle sprains and strains, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, bloodborne infectious diseases and infections.
What are the benefits of working with a workers’ compensation lawyer?
If you have been hurt at work and you have been denied workers’ compensation benefits you are unable to work and your medical bills are starting to pile up. An experienced Wilmington workers’ compensation attorney knows precisely what to do to appeal the denial of your benefits and recover the compensation you need to keep your life afloat until you can get back to work.
This allows you to focus on healing as we focus on fighting for your right to the compensation you deserve after a work-related injury or the diagnosis of an occupational illness. You have dedicated your career to taking care of others, now put our experience to work for you so that you can get back to doing the work you love.
Workers’ compensation attorneys safeguarding the rights of injured workers in Wilmington
The Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyers of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman have experience helping our clients resolve disputes and obtain the maximum amount of benefits available to them under the law. If you have suffered a work-related injury or occupational disease that makes it difficult for you to travel, we will come to you. You can reach us right now toll-free at 302-888-2900 or by filling out our contact form to make an appointment at one of our Delaware offices in Newark or Seaford today.
Related: