Home Health Care Worker Injuries
For people dealing with potentially disabling health conditions and recovering from injuries and medical procedures, home health care workers provide valuable services and support. They ease the burden on family and friends, while enabling those they care for to retain their independence and remain in their homes, rather than having to be in a hospital, nursing home, or long term care setting. Jobs in the home health care field are numerous, and while many people are using their talents and skills to pursue this type of employment, there are special hazards associated with this type of job. On-the-job injuries among home health care workers are common, and these injuries can impair these workers from doing their jobs, seriously affecting their ability to provide for themselves and their families. If you work in the home health care field, here is what you need to know about the types of injuries that are common in this job, as well as what you can do if you are injured.
Common Home Health Care Injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are close to one million people working as home health care workers in the United States, and demand for these types of workers is expected to increase by over 35 percent over the next 10 years. Home health care workers assist people with illnesses, injuries, and disabilities in performing tasks while attend to the daily needs their patients. A typical day on the job for a home health care worker may include assisting patients with personal hygiene needs, preparing meals and performing housekeeping tasks, providing opportunities for exercise and recreation, administering medications, monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, and helping with wound or surgical site management.
Being a home health care worker can be a physically demanding job, and the variety of tasks they perform in caring for their patients makes them susceptible to injury. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the following types of injuries are common in the home health care field:
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament sprains, strains, and tears
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Needle stick injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Exposure to workplace violence and abuse
In addition to the above, home healthcare workers face exposure to hazardous conditions within their client’s homes, such as second hand smoke, dog bites, and toxic substances such as mold or asbestos.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
What To Do If You Are Injured On the Job
Home healthcare workers who are injured on the job may be eligible for benefits through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Program. Available through your employer, workers’ compensation enables you to file a claim for benefits, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for temporary or permanent injuries. In some cases, home healthcare workers are self-employed, work as independent contractors, or get paid under the table. If you are not eligible for workers’ compensation, you may still be able to get compensation for your injuries either by filing an insurance claim against the homeowner where you work, or by filing a personal injury lawsuit for damages.
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you are a home health care worker who has been injured on the job, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys understand the serious effects these injuries can have on your ability to work and support yourself and your loved ones. We can advise you on how to get the benefits and compensation you deserve for your injuries, regardless of your employment situation.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
