Nurses in York, PA Can Claim Workers’ Compensation for Back and Shoulder Injuries

Nurses are vital healthcare professionals who spend their shifts taking care of sick and injured patients. Due to the type of physical labor that nurses are required to do, back and shoulder injuries are common. Back and shoulder injuries are painful, often resulting in months or years of physical therapy and multiple surgeries. Unfortunately, these types of injuries have the potential to also end a nurse’s career.

The healthcare profession has the highest number of injuries in Pennsylvania

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare and education professionals had the highest number of workplace injuries in Pennsylvania in 2022. As a result, close to 600 healthcare and education workers needed job transfers or restrictions, and about 1,200 healthcare and education workers needed days off from work due to injuries. This demonstrates that nurses and other healthcare workers are at risk of severe injuries while performing their duties, which can cause them to lose out on much-needed income.

Why are shoulder and back injuries commonly reported by nurses in York, PA?

Nurses frequently report shoulder and back injuries. Here are a few reasons why these injuries commonly occur:

• Nurses are required to push themselves very hard.
• They work very long hours.
• They must physically lift and move other patients.
• They do repetitive tasks and duties around the clock.
• They carry heavy items.
• They frequently push and pull patients or objects (stretchers, beds, wheelchairs, etc.).
• They are at risk of slipping and falling or being attacked by patients.

Most nurses are responsible for helping patients get onto their beds, walk around, make it to the restroom, and to get imaging and other necessary tests. Therefore, when doing these tasks, nurses must use their bodies and strength, which can quickly lead to back and shoulder injuries.

What types of back and shoulder injuries can nurses sustain?

There are many different types of back and shoulder injuries typical to the nursing profession. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Herniated discs
• Vertebrae breaks and fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Subluxations or dislocations
• Nerve compressions and damage
• Torn rotator cuffs
• Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
• Shoulder separations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Damaged spinal discs
• Cartilage tears
• Shoulder breaks and fractures
• Broken collarbones

Symptoms of a back or shoulder injury

When a nurse is injured on the job, they may be reluctant to report the injury. This is likely because they do not want to miss work. However, if back or shoulder injuries are not treated promptly, they could become worse and eventually cause permanent damage and disability. A few of the symptoms that may indicate that you have a back or shoulder injury are:

• Pain in the shoulders, back, neck, legs, or arms
• Stiffness in the back or shoulders
• Muscle weakness in the shoulders, back, or arms
• Inability to move, walk, or stand up straight
• Inflammation or swelling in the back or shoulders
• Tenderness to touch
• Bruising
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle spasms

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment from a licensed medical professional immediately. Putting this off can increase your chances of needing long-term physical therapy or surgery. In addition, if you do not get the necessary treatment from a doctor, you may develop permanent injuries, which can lead to long-term disability.

Can I file for workers’ compensation for back and shoulder injuries that happened at work?

Typically, you should be able to file for workers’ compensation for back and shoulder injuries that happen on the job. However, here in Pennsylvania, you must report the injury to your employer within 120 days. If you do not report it within this timeframe, you will be considered ineligible for workers’ compensation. After your employer is made aware of your injury, they must report it to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as well as their insurance company. Once they submit the required paperwork, you will be informed of whether your workers’ compensation claim is accepted or denied. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, a York workers’ compensation attorney can help you appeal the decision.

Are you a nurse who recently suffered an injury while at work? If so, the York workers’ compensation lawyers from KBG Injury Law are here to help. Our team knows and understands that the workers’ compensation process may seem intimidating and complicated, which is why we are committed to remaining by your side and fighting for your right to the benefits you deserve. Call us or complete our contact form to schedule your free and confidential case review at one of our offices in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Gettysburg, and Harrisburg today. We will sort through every hurdle and challenge that emerges, while you focus on healing and recovering from your back and shoulder injuries.