Healthcare Workers Receive Workers’ Compensation

Q: What Benefits Can Healthcare Workers Receive?

Workers’ Compensation can provide:nMedical Coverage: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including emergency care, specialist visits, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Employees are not responsible for deductibles or co-pays when treatment is approved.nnWage Replacement: If an injury prevents work, employees typically receive about two-thirds of their average weekly wage, tax-free, for the duration of the disability.nnPermanent Disability Benefits: Additional compensation may be available for permanent injuries, such as loss of limb function or severe disfigurement.

Q: How Does the Claims Process Work?

If you are injured at work:nReport: In Pennsylvania, employees usually have up to 120 days to notify their employer, though rules may vary for occupational illnesses.nnClaim Approval: Your claim becomes official once the insurance company issues a Notice of Compensation Payable.nnMedical Treatment: For the first 90 days, care is usually provided by doctors on the employer’s approved list. After 90 days, employees can choose their own healthcare provider.nnPrivacy Rights: Employees may decline the presence of an insurance company nurse during appointments to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality.

Healthcare workers operate on the front lines every day, often under challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions. Fortunately, these dedicated professionals are protected under Workers’ Compensation laws, which means they may be entitled to benefits if they are injured or become ill due to their work.

In Pennsylvania and across the United States, healthcare workers are generally eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits if they sustain an injury or illness on the job. This protection applies to:

Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
Nurses, physicians, lab technicians, and aides.
Support staff, including janitors and administrative personnel.

Coverage begins from the first day of employment, regardless of hours worked, as long as the worker is an employee rather than an independent contractor.

Common Injuries and Risks for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare professionals face unique occupational hazards, including:

Physical Injuries: Back and shoulder strains from lifting or moving patients, slips, falls, and repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Exposure to Hazards: Contagious diseases, chemicals, and hazardous medications.
Sharp Injuries: Accidental needle sticks or cuts from medical instruments.

These risks make healthcare one of the most physically and emotionally demanding professions.

What Benefits Can Healthcare Workers Receive?

Workers’ Compensation can provide:

Medical Coverage: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including emergency care, specialist visits, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Employees are not responsible for deductibles or co-pays when treatment is approved.
Wage Replacement: If an injury prevents work, employees typically receive about two-thirds of their average weekly wage, tax-free, for the duration of the disability.
Permanent Disability Benefits: Additional compensation may be available for permanent injuries, such as loss of limb function or severe disfigurement.

How Does the Claims Process Work?

If you are injured at work:

Report: In Pennsylvania, employees usually have up to 120 days to notify their employer, though rules may vary for occupational illnesses.
Claim Approval: Your claim becomes official once the insurance company issues a Notice of Compensation Payable.
Medical Treatment: For the first 90 days, care is usually provided by doctors on the employer’s approved list. After 90 days, employees can choose their own healthcare provider.
Privacy Rights: Employees may decline the presence of an insurance company nurse during appointments to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality.

Contact Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C.

If you are a healthcare worker who has been injured or contracted an illness on the job, the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. can help you understand your rights and pursue the benefits you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call 888-999-1962 or complete our online form today. We have offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, NJ and serve clients in both states.