Injury Statistics for Healthcare Workers in North and South Carolina
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare workers in North and South Carolina experience injuries or illnesses at a higher rate than many other occupations across the states. In 2019, there were nearly 6,000 reported cases of nonfatal occupational injuries and illness among healthcare workers in each of the Carolinas, resulting in a combined injury rate of 6.1 per 100 full-time employees. This rate is significantly higher than the overall nonfatal injury and illness rate of 3.9 across all industries in North Carolina and 4.6 across South Carolina as a whole.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that ambulatory healthcare services—which include physician offices, hospitals, and other outpatient care centers—experienced 6,581 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in North Carolina in 2019. This was the highest among all industry groups in the state, with an injury rate of 8.7 per 100 full-time workers. In South Carolina, ambulatory healthcare services reported 4,605 nonfatal cases of occupational injuries and illnesses in 2019, with a rate of 5.6 per 100 full-time employees—significantly higher than the state’s overall nonfatal injury and illness rate of 4.6.
Common Accidents and Injuries for Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers in North and South Carolina are at an increased risk of injuries and illnesses due to the hazardous nature of their work. Common accidents and injuries among healthcare professionals include the following:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion from lifting or moving patients and equipment
- Exposure to infectious diseases like hepatitis B or HIV/AIDS
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive motions such as typing on a computer for long periods
- Contact dermatitis resulting from frequent use of cleaning agents or latex gloves
- Physical violence inflicted by patients/visitors
Employers’ Duty to Keep Workers Safe
In North and South Carolina, employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their workers. This responsibility includes providing a safe working environment with appropriate safeguards against potential hazards, implementing regular safety training for employees, and offering prompt medical care for any work-related injuries or illnesses.
Workers Compensation Insurance Requirements for Employers
North and South Carolina both have workers’ compensation insurance requirements for employers. Employers with three or more employees in North Carolina, and four or more employees in South Carolina, must carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to an employee’s injury or illness during their employment. An employer that does not have a valid workers comp insurance policymay be held personally liable for any medical costs and other damages related to the employee’s injury or illness.
If you are an employer with three or more employees, we advise you to carry workers’ compensation coverage. A workers comp policy will help protect you from liability in the event of an employee injury or illness and ensure employees will be appropriately cared for in the event of an accident.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Healthcare Workers in North and South Carolina
Fortunately, healthcare workers in North and South Carolina are eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits if they suffer a work-related injury or illness. These benefits provide financial assistance to cover medical expenses related to the treatment of their injuries or illnesses as well as lost wages due to time off work. An injured healthcare worker may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical coverage for treatment of injuries/illnesses
- Wage replacement, paid at the injured worker’s compensation rate, during the recovery period
- Vocational rehabilitation services if the employee is unable to return to the previous job
- Permanent disability payments if the employee is unable to return to any employment
- Death benefits for surviving family members in case of death resulting from workplace injury/illness
With access to workers’ compensation benefits, healthcare professionals can rest assured that they will have the resources and support needed to recover from any injuries or illnesses sustained on the job.
What to Do If You’re Hurt as a Healthcare Professional in North and South Carolina
If you are a healthcare professional in North or South Carolina who has been injured on the job, there are several steps that must be taken to ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits for which you are eligible.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
This is a necessary step in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Be sure to provide as many details about the accident and your injuries as possible when filing your report. By doing this, it will provide evidence for a potential claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Seek medical attention right away
Seeking medical treatment ensures that your well-being is taken care of first and foremost. It also ensures that you will receive the necessary treatment to help you recover from your injury.
Contact an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side can help ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled, including medical coverage and wage replacement.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
It is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor in order to ensure that you make a full recovery and are able to return to work as quickly as possible. This will also help protect your claim for workers’ compensation benefits should you need them. If you are found not to be following the doctor’s orders, you may be jeopardizing your claim.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Your attorney can help you with this step, which involves providing detailed information about your accident and injuries in order to prove eligibility for benefits. Your employer should have workers’ compensation insurance in place to cover any claims.
Although you can go at it alone, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if you are injured in a work-related accident. With the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney, healthcare professionals in these states can be sure that they will receive all the benefits for which they are eligible and get back to work with confidence.
Reasons a Workers’ Comp Claim Might Be Denied
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are not always accepted. There are a number of reasons why a claim for benefits may be denied. It is important to understand the potential pitfalls that could lead to your claim being rejected so you can take steps to avoid them. Here are some of the most common reasons a workers’ comp claim might be denied:
- Insufficient evidence
- Failure to report the injury
- Errors in filing paperwork
- Pre-existing conditions
- Intentional self-inflicted injury
- Substance abuse
How Do I File an Appeal if My Workers’ Comp Claim is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to have your case heard . You can request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission or the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. This is to have a Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner decide the compensability of your claim.
The process should be taken seriously, and it is wise to enlist the help of a workers’ compensation attorney who can provide guidance and advice on the process. An attorney can provide assistance throughout the entire workers’ compensation process and ensure that all paperwork is completed correctly. Additionally, they can represent you in any hearings or appeals should they be necessary.
When requesting a hearing after a denied workers’ comp claim, it is important to have your evidence organized and ready to present so that you can demonstrate the validity of your claim. This includes obtaining any medical records, employment documents, and witness statements that support your case. A lawyer can help you prepare a compelling argument so that you are able to get the compensation you deserve.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Having a workers’ compensation attorney on your side can make all the difference when filing a claim for benefits. They can provide guidance and advice throughout the entire process, ensuring that all paperwork is completed correctly while also representing you in any hearings or appeals should they be necessary. Our lawyers can help with the following:
Filing all necessary paperwork – Your workers’ compensation lawyer can help to ensure that all required paperwork is completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner so that there are no delays or denials due to errors made during this process.
Provide evidence of eligibility – Your attorney will gather medical records, employment documents, and witness statements as part of their investigation into your case, which could demonstrate the validity of your claim for benefits if it has been denied.
Representation at hearings – Should an appeal become necessary after a denied claim for benefits, having an experienced lawyer represent you before the North Carolina Industrial Commission or South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission could give you greater confidence as well as increase your chances of success in getting approved for much-needed financial assistance following a work-related injury or illness.
Guidance through every step – From completing forms properly to gathering the evidence needed during appeals, your workers’ compensation lawyer can provide invaluable advice and guidance that can make the process much smoother.
Advice on settlement negotiations – If your claim has been approved, but you are unsatisfied with the amount offered, your attorney can help advise you during any settlement negotiations to ensure that you receive a fair outcome.
By having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side to provide assistance, guidance, and representation throughout the entire workers’ compensation process, you can rest assured that your claim is in good hands.
Injured on the Job? Let Our North & South Carolina Work Injury Attorneys Fight for You
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured workers throughout North and South Carolina. Our workers’ compensation lawyers are knowledgeable in all areas of workers’ compensation law and can provide you with the guidance and legal representation you need to get approved for much-needed financial assistance following a work-related injury or illness.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
