JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Back injuries are the most common injury among healthcare professionals. One survey found that one-third of nurses have had work-related back pain. These steps can help you if you are injured while working.

1. Pay attention to your body. Any of the following could be a sign of a back injury:

• Sharp or dull pain
• Aching
• Pain that comes and goes
• Tingling
• Muscle tightness
• Muscle fatigue
• Muscle weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, suspect an injury. Take steps to prevent your injury from getting worse.

2. Report your injury to your employer. Let your supervisor know that you were injured. This will allow you to receive workers’ compensation for your medical bills and missed work. Make sure you keep a copy of the injury report. Unfortunately, many nurses wait to report an injury because they don’t want to burden co-workers. Your injury will only get worse.
3. Get medical attention for your injury. Nurses know the importance of good medical care, but they often make lousy patients. Don’t downplay your injury. And, follow your doctor’s orders.
4. If you are put on light duty, stick to light duty. Don’t feel pressured to do your regular job until you’ve been cleared to do so. This will only aggravate your injury.
5. Ask to have the unsafe condition fixed. If you were injured while lifting a heavy patient, ask for the equipment or help needed to do the job safely. This will prevent you (and others) from being injured again.

If you have any questions about your workers’ compensation or your rights, please call Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., at 888-807-WORK (9675). Want more information? Follow Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., on Facebook.