New Jersey Registered Nurses at Nursing Home Facilities Injury Attorneys

Registered Nurses (RNs) can be found in many facilities in New Jersey, including nursing homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities, jails, private homes, traveling nurses, schools, outpatient care centers, and substance abuse facilities.

In New Jersey, RNs working in a hospital or hospital-like setting are more likely to be injured at work than workers in various sectors. In fact, nurses frequently run the risk of sustaining musculoskeletal disorders. 

Nurses are one of the most valuable assets any care facility has. They are the people who take care of others who need assistance, medical care, and reassurance. Being an RN is one of the most difficult jobs there is – a job the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites has one of the highest rates of occupational injuries in the nation.

Healthcare Sector Statistics in the United States

According to a 2020 survey of occupational injuries and illnesses by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more workers are injured in the healthcare and social assistance industry than in any other sector.

Common Injuries Sustained by RNs and the nursing profession include:

• Overexertion
• Equipment injuries
• 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
• Sprains and strains – affect the lower back
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Herniated discs
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Non-supportive workplace environment
• Contagious diseases
• Concussions
• Injuries from contact with equipment, or falling objects
• Chemical reactions

The Bureau of Statistics (BLS) cites two common injuries that disproportionately affect nurses more often than other occupations: 

• Overexertion – Nursing staff, 46 percent vs. other occupations, 34 percent
• Violence and other injuries – Nursing staff, 12 percent vs. other occupations, 4 percent

If you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, our workers’ compensation attorneys help you claim benefits for slips and falls, overexertion accidents, lifting, pushing, coming into contact with equipment, collision, and other types of accidents. 

Injuries on the job are, in some instances, classified as occupational hazards. This may include chemical, biological, physical, and other hazards. Workers’ compensation can be confusing, and this is why retaining a skilled New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm makes good sense. We have experience handling these types of workers’ compensation claims seeking benefits as a result of a workplace injury.

The healthcare industry has one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses and with each passing year, it continues to rise. In 2020, the industry reported a 40 percent increase in injuries and illnesses for a tally of 806,200 cases. To learn more about workplace injuries in hospitals, visit HERE.

Steps to Take After Serious Injuries Sustained at a Nursing Home

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. 

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.

Contact the Registered Nurse 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 on-the-job injuries while working as a Registered Nurse, 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 Registered Nurse 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.