Nursing homes are staffed with nurses, caretakers, administrators, and other professionals whose job it is to care for elderly patients. These workers train for an extended period of time and hope to make a difference in seniors’ lives by offering them the care family is unable to give.
Unfortunately, workers in nursing homes can face challenging conditions and even dangers. Workplace accidents in Hollywood and Florida nursing homes are not uncommon and they can cause staff to face high medical bills and lost time at work. When that happens, workers’ compensation is meant to offer benefits that can help.
Common Types of Nursing Home Injuries
Staff can sustain many types of injuries in nursing homes, including:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Back and sprain injuries from lifting patients
- Bruises, lacerations and other injuries from patients who become violent due to dementia or other conditions
- Injuries sustained in car accidents in the parking lot
- Infestations or infections caught in the nursing home
- Head injuries
- Fractures
When workers are injured, workers’ compensation is meant to pay for medical bills and for part of lost wages. In some cases, it can offer additional benefits as well. Nursing home employers must pay this insurance for all workers, including part-time workers. Only certain exempt employees may not be covered.
Getting Workers’ Compensation After a Nursing Home Injury
If you have been injured while working in a nursing home in Florida, report the injury as soon as possible to your employers. Take photos and make notes about he injury so you have evidence you were hurt and get the names and contact information of anyone who may have been a witness. Ensure your employer files a claim for you and get a copy of the claim so you can ensure it is accurate.
If there are any delays or problems with your benefits, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood nursing home abuse and workers’ compensation attorney.