New Jersey Physiotherapist Hospital Injury Attorneys

Often, after being in an accident and sustaining an injury, survivors seek care from a physiotherapist to get back on their feet and on with their lives. Having a limited range of motion can mean difficulties in handling day-to-day tasks. A physiotherapist can make a world of difference in the healing process. They are a vital part of a patient’s journey of recovery.

Physiotherapists deal with a variety of patient injuries, such as:

• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Therapy for fractures and breaks
• Dislocated shoulder
• Torn ligaments 
• Strained muscles

Physiotherapy mainly focuses on strengthening the muscles around an injury to alleviate stiffness and pain, and encourage a return to normal mobility. Although physiotherapists are a vital part of a patient’s recovery, they, too, are prone to being injured while working. 

Physiotherapist Statistics You Should Be Aware Of

According to several international studies relating to injured physiotherapists, studies also relevant in the United States for U.S. physiotherapists, employment in certain clinical specialties was discovered to contribute to injuries while working. The three top categories where the highest number of physiotherapists were injured while working were caring for the elderly (12 percent), neurological rehabilitation (14 percent), and dealing with musculoskeletal rehabilitation patients (31 percent).

Additionally, physiotherapists working with burn and psychiatric patients, children, the elderly, and in the area of general medicine had a 46 percent likelihood of sustaining work-related injuries. 

It should not be overlooked that the nature of the job itself is a major factor in sustaining musculoskeletal injuries, but that other accidents can and do happen while working as a physiotherapist. For example, slips, trips, and falls, back pain from heavy lifting, shifting and twisting, as well as tendinitis, strains, and sprains. 

Nationwide, two studies showed that the one-year incidence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries ranged from 16.9 to 20.7 injuries per 100 full-time physiotherapists. The second study indicates the three-year incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in older and younger physiotherapists to be 19.6 and 21.4 injuries per 100 full-time physiotherapists. In conclusion, the studies both indicated such injuries in this field of work were universal. 

Physiotherapist Work Related Injuries (WRMDs)

The most common injuries sustained by physiotherapists are musculoskeletal disorders. The nature of their work means there is a high risk of pain associated with it due to the physically demanding work of repeated tasks, high-force manual techniques, exerting direct pressure on various joints during a therapy session, prolonged holding of constrained postures while conducting therapy, and the often difficult act of position joints during certain rehabilitative exercises.

Musculoskeletal disorders refer to muscles, bones, joints, and adjacent connective tissues under stress or strain. And what many do not realize is that musculoskeletal impairments can encompass over 150 different diseases/conditions affecting an individual. 

Put another way, musculoskeletal disorders or impairments are found in the adjacent connective tissues of joints, muscles, and bones, which may lead to a temporary or permanent limitation. Musculoskeletal conditions can come on suddenly and stay for a short period or linger for the long term. 

Musculoskeletal conditions include:

• Multiple body systems or areas – for instance, neck and back, widespread pain, inflammatory diseases such as erythematosus, or systemic lupus.
• Sarcopenia – the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. 
• Osteoporosis, osteopenia, and resulting fragility cause fractures and traumatic fractures.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondylarthritis, and gout.

Musculoskeletal conditions account for roughly two-thirds of all adults in need of rehabilitation, and they often result in an increased risk of developing other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. Those with musculoskeletal conditions are often at a higher risk of developing mental health issues. No matter where physical therapists work in the nation, they are at high risk of developing serious issues.

Common Types of Injuries Sustained by a Physiotherapist

The following list of injuries can be sustained while helping a patient or client:

• Overexertion
• Head injuries
• Neck and back strains, sprains
• Violence in the workplace – caused by patients or staff
• Shoulder injuries (e.g., torn rotator cuff, labrum tear, frozen shoulder, etc.)
• Broken bones
• Respiratory hazards
• Knee injuries (torn meniscus, ACL/MCL, etc.)
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Herniated discs
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Contagious diseases
• Concussions
• Injuries from contact with equipment, or falling objects
• Chemical reactions

Critical Steps to Take After an Accident at Work 

If you were hurt on the job in New Jersey, immediately report the incident to your supervisor and keep a note of the time, place, and name of the person to whom you reported. Once that is done, the employer is mandated to provide notice of the injury to open a workers’ compensation claim.

Do not wait to seek medical treatment, even if you work in a healthcare facility or feel you can deal with the injury on your own. Waiting to see a doctor can mean it is difficult to connect the injury to the work activity, reducing the chances of being able to claim workers’ compensation. 

Go for medical care immediately. See an employer-approved doctor if that is required by your employer. If required, you must see an approved doctor or your workers’ compensation claim can be denied.  Keep accurate records of all medical care you receive. That includes all expenses, doctor’s appointments, and other associated costs, such as going for physical therapy sessions or surgery.

Do whatever the doctor suggests and keep all records and receipts relating to the accident, injury, and care received. Keep all appointments. Complete all ordered therapy. Keep a detailed record of everything related to your injury. 

Do not stop any course of therapy until it is completed or the doctor says you may. Stopping therapy or treatment before the official end of a recovery period can mean losing workers’ compensation benefits. It implies you are healed and ready to return to work, which may not be the case. 

A physiotherapist who has sustained an injury at work cannot seek damages for pain and suffering via New Jersey’s workers’ compensation. Have questions about the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim? Did you get pushback from your employer or the insurance company (who may contest or deny your claim)? We’re here for you. Contact our experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm. We know the answers. We can help you. We can handle your case, advise you of your legal rights and provide legal representation.

Why You Should Speak with an Experienced Physiotherapist Injury Attorney 

An injured physiotherapist cannot sue their employer for negligence leading to a work injury. They can file a workers’ compensation claim because workers’ comp is the sole remedy against an employer. Workers’ compensation is designed to return injured workers to the workplace as soon as possible, and accordingly, they pay a portion of the worker’s wages and medical bills. 

There are exceptions to the rule, and the workers’ compensation attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm would explain those to you if they are relevant to your situation. The sooner you discuss your case with us, the earlier we can investigate the circumstances and help you move forward with your claim/case.

Contact the Physiotherapist Injury Attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Today!

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we have counseled and represented many plaintiffs involved in accidents while working as Physiotherapists, and have significant experience obtaining maximum financial compensation. Our firm can help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you need to get your life back on track after being hurt while working as a Physiotherapist. Our workers’ compensation lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey.  To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a FREE and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.