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The healthcare industry has one of the highest rates of work-related injuries in the United States. Healthcare workers nationwide suffered over 560,000 reportable injuries and illnesses in 2023 alone. There were over 23,000 recordable incidents in the healthcare and education sectors in Illinois that same year.
If you are a nurse, CNA, phlebotomist, paramedic, therapist, or other healthcare worker who suffered on-the-job injuries, and you work in Chicago or elsewhere in Cook County, call DePaolo & Zadeikis right away. You may be eligible to recover substantial compensation.
Our Chicago healthcare workers’ compensation lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and resources to maximize your recovery.
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Illinois healthcare workers are the backbone of our healthcare system, dedicating their skills and energy to caring for patients across our state. When medical professionals suffer work-related injuries, they should not bear the financial burden of their associated medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, or lost wages. Fortunately, under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, they don’t have to. Employers and their insurance companies are legally responsible for covering these costs when claims are filed through the workers’ compensation system.
In Illinois, healthcare workers injured on the job may be entitled to various workers’ compensation benefits, including:
Employers are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance, and healthcare facilities are no exception. Unfortunately, some employers or their insurance companies may try to deny valid claims, minimize benefit payouts, or pressure injured workers to return to work too soon. That is why it is critical for injured healthcare workers to understand their rights and seek legal representation after a work-related injury or occupational illness.
If you are a healthcare worker injured on the job in Illinois, you should not have to fight for the benefits you deserve. A workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can help you:
Don’t let your employer or their insurer deny you the compensation you are entitled to receive. Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at DePaolo & Zadeikis to protect your rights.
Call 312-263-7560 today for your FREE consultation.
Workers’ compensation benefits are essential for injured healthcare workers, but they don’t usually cover all damages. For instance, Workers’ comp only pays to replace about two-thirds of your average weekly wages, and the insurance doesn’t pay anything at all for pain and suffering damages.
However, if a party other than the employer contributed to the incident that caused the injury or illness, the injured healthcare worker may be entitled to pursue additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim.
For example, if a healthcare worker is injured by a defective medical device, they may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Similarly, if a contractor working on hospital premises creates a hazardous condition that leads to an injury, the injured worker may be able to file a third-party claim against that contractor.
Pursuing third-party claims can provide compensation for pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at DePaolo and Zadeikis will explore all available avenues for recovery to make sure your compensation is maximized.
Not all healthcare workers are employees of a hospital or medical facility. Many work as independent contractors, traveling nurses, or gig workers. Unfortunately, these workers may not be covered by workers’ compensation, which typically applies only to employees. However, they may still have options for compensation.
Independent contractors injured on the job may be able to file a personal injury claim if their injury was caused by another party’s negligence. They may also have claims under general liability insurance policies held by the facilities where they work. Understanding these options can be challenging without legal guidance, making it essential for non-employee healthcare workers to consult with an attorney.
Call 312-263-7560 today for your FREE consultation.
Healthcare workers face unique risks on the job, including exposure to infectious diseases, needle-stick injuries, musculoskeletal injuries from lifting patients, slip and fall accidents, and violent patient interactions. These hazards can lead to serious injuries or long-term disabilities, making workers’ compensation benefits essential.
Violence at work is four-times more likely to occur in the healthcare and social services industries than any other industry, according to the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHP). Nurses, emergency room staff, and mental health professionals are particularly vulnerable to physical assaults, verbal threats, and even sexual harassment or abuse by patients, visitors, or coworkers, and over 20% of nurses have reported physical assaults. These incidents can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although the Healthcare Violence Prevention Act was implemented in 2019 to help protect medical professionals from workplace violence, healthcare workers in our state are still high-risk.
Working in close contact with patients means healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis, HIV, and other blood-borne illnesses. Needle-stick injuries and accidental exposure to bodily fluids are common sources of infection.
Lifting, repositioning, or transferring patients can result in serious musculoskeletal injuries, including back strains, shoulder injuries, and repetitive motion injuries. These are among the most common injuries reported by nurses and other frontline healthcare staff. Injuries like these are most likely to happen in facilities with staffing shortages, where nurses are working overtime and higher patient to nurse ratios are present.
Busy hospital environments, wet floors, and cluttered hallways can lead to slip, trip, and fall accidents for healthcare professionals. These incidents can cause fractures, sprains, and head injuries, often requiring significant medical treatment and time off work.
Healthcare facilities often use chemicals for cleaning, sterilization, and medical procedures. Accidental exposure can cause respiratory issues, skin burns, or even toxic reactions.
Q: Are all healthcare workers covered by workers’ compensation in Illinois?
Most healthcare workers employed by hospitals or healthcare facilities are covered by workers’ compensation. However, independent contractors and gig workers may not be automatically covered.
Q: Can I receive workers’ compensation if I was attacked by a patient?
Yes. Workplace violence, including assaults by patients, is a recognized cause of work-related injuries for healthcare workers, and you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Q: What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at DePaolo & Zadeikis can help you build a strong case and navigate the appeals process.
