What’s Ahead in Health Care Workers’ Compensation?
Any time that a person is injured while on the job, that person is entitled to receive financial compensation to cover medical costs. This is, of course, a right extended to all employees, but it is much more prevalent in certain fields where workplace injuries are more common than others. Health care is a field that has a history of more common workers’ compensation claims and this doesn’t seem to be a trend that is slowing down in the near future.
Over the past decade or so, the number of workers’ compensation claims has increased for health care workers by about two percent a year. Another increase of this degree is expected going into the next year. Why does this trend persist?
One of the main reasons, according to national studies is that the workforce average age is increasing. According to a recent report, 53% of working nurses, which is the most frequent health care professional is injured while on the job, are over the age of 50. Higher age increases the risk for injury so it makes sense that the compensation claims would reflect this trend. Additionally, workplace violence seems to be on the rise. This primarily is a result of more volatile patients and is a problem that has no easy, immediate solution.
Workplace injuries can be prevented however by following safety protocols more strictly and taking precautions necessary to preventing injuries from occurring. If you are a health care workers that has been hurt on the job, however, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation and, if your employer refuses, you have the right to file a lawsuit. If you pursue this route, we at the Franco Law Firm would be honored to fight for and with you to see justice served and compensation gained. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with us today, please call us at (813) 872-0929.