Being a nurse is not only a noble profession, but it is also a demanding job that often requires lifting heavy objects and people. Unfortunately, accidents can happen during a shift, and many nurses wonder what to do if they get injured lifting a patient.
Health and reporting
First things first. If you are working and sustain an injury, seek medical care immediately and report it to your employer as soon as possible. This step is crucial for ensuring that you receive medical treatment and compensation for your injury.
Florida laws
Florida requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries. After reporting your injury, your employer should provide you with a list of approved doctors and medical care facilities you can use for your medical treatment.
It is imperative to follow that guidance and seek the care you need. You should follow their instructions, attend all medical appointments, and document everything related to the injury.
What if you contributed to the injury?
Sometimes, the fault is not as clear-cut as some people want it to be. Imagine you skipped a few steps, did not follow protocol exactly as you should have, and that contributed to your injury. In such cases, you may still receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Encountering problems
Should you encounter problems or disputes regarding your workers’ compensation claim, you may seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, who can help you navigate the claims process, gather evidence to support your case and ensure you receive the compensation the law entitles you to.
Sustaining an injury on the job is always difficult, especially when it is an injury from something like lifting a patient. There is hope, however, and you should have knowledge about what the law entitles you to if you suffer an injury at work, regardless of whether something you did contributed to the injury.