Tried And True Attorneys Standing Up For The Injured Since 1965

Photo of Craig R. Fishman
Photo of Craig R. Fishman

Tried And True Attorneys Standing Up For The Injured Since 1965

Common injuries among nurses can lead to workers’ comp benefits

On Behalf of | Jun 8, 2021 | Workers' Compensation |

Nursing is an honorable profession and an occupation that many young adults in New Jersey with families choose to pursue. It may come as a surprise to learn that occupational injuries are common in the nursing industry. These injured workers might ultimately decide to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. The following is a brief overview of occupational injuries among nurses and the benefits they may be entitled to under New Jersey workers’ compensation laws.

How common are injuries in the nursing industry?

There are approximately three million registered nurses in the U.S. healthcare industry. These nurses routinely face workplace hazards. Much of their time is spent walking, bending, stretching, standing and lifting. They also can potentially be exposed to harmful or hazardous medications, bacteria, viruses, needlesticks and chemicals. In 2016 alone there were 19,790 instances of nonfatal injuries and illnesses among registered nurses requiring at least one day off work.

What type of workers’ compensation benefits may nurses be entitled to?

The type of benefits an injured nurse may be entitled to under New Jersey workers’ compensation law depends on the specific facts of their case. However, some common types of benefits awarded include the following. Nurses may pursue medical benefits to cover the costs of treatment, prescription and hospitalization. Nurses may also pursue temporary total disability benefits if they are disabled for more than a week and are under active medical care. Temporary total disability benefits typically end when the nurse returns to work. Nurses may also pursue permanent partial benefits if their injury or illness causes a partial permanent disability. Permanent partial benefits take over after temporary disability ends. Finally, nurses can pursue permanent total benefits if their injury or illness keeps them from performing any job whatsoever.

Learn more about workers’ compensation in New Jersey

Nurses play a critical role in the health care industry, but the nursing profession is one where injuries are common. Some of these injured nurses will choose to pursue workers’ compensation benefits to cover the many costs associated with their injury and medical care. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Our firm’s webpage on workers’ compensation may be a good resource for those who want to learn more about this topic.

 

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