If you develop back pain that you can directly link to your nursing job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your treatment costs, lost income, pain and suffering and loss of quality of life among other damages. But first, how do nurses suffer chronic back injuries?
Back injuries and chronic back pain might not immediately come to mind when most people think of nursing as an occupation. However, it’s not hard to find out why these injuries are common among these healthcare workers.
Part of a nurse’s job involves lifting and transporting patients. This puts them at the risk of both direct and/or cumulative injury that can build up over time due to repetitive motion. Moving a patient from the bed to a wheelchair or from the hospital’s chair to a commode can also subject a nurse to the risk of back injury. This can be worsened by the workload and posture among other organizational factors like a lack of proper lifting equipment.
If you experience back pain that is work-related, you need to act in time lest you miss out on the benefits that you may be entitled to. First, you need to report your injury to your employer. Next, you need to seek a proper diagnosis so you can obtain evidence that ties your chronic back pain to your job. Finally, you need to file your workers’ compensation claim within the statute of limitations period. In California, this means filing your claim within one year from the date of your injury or when it was reasonably discovered.
Nursing can be a particularly hazardous occupation for a variety of reasons. The high-risk, fast-paced environment can lend itself to a range of work-related injuries like chronic back pains. If this happens to you, it is important that you understand and explore your legal options.
]]>If you've been harmed while working remotely in California, understanding how to navigate the workers' compensation system is important because if you’re entitled to benefits, there is no reason you should have to shoulder the costs associated with your harm.
Traditionally, workers' compensation covers injuries or illnesses that occur in the course and scope of employment, regardless of someone’s work location. In California, this includes remote work environments. However, proving that an injury is work-related can be more challenging when working remotely.
For an injury to be considered work-related, it must occur while performing work duties or activities that benefit the employer. Conditions that may be covered include, for example, a repetitive strain injury from prolonged computer use or a fall during a work-related video call. However, injuries occurring during personal activities or breaks may not qualify. As remote workers don’t usually have their employer’s virtual “eyes” on them at all times, proving that an injury occurred when working – instead of when someone was taking a break, for example – can be tough.
As a result, if you’re ever hurt while working remotely, you’ll want to document the circumstances surrounding your injury, including the time, the activity you were engaged in and how it occurred. If possible, take photos of your remote workspace, especially if the injury was related to your work environment or setup.
Once you’ve gathered evidence and sought medical treatment for your condition, it’s worth seeking legal guidance to better understand your rights and options. Making this effort will also allow you to benefit from support as you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled.
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