Arkansas Hospital Work Injury Lawyer

Hospitals represent a place of healing and recovery for many people, yet ironically, they are one of the most dangerous places to work. Healthcare workers are responsible for an array of activity in a day’s work including lifting and moving transferring patients, handling needles and other sharp instruments, all the while being exposed to hazardous bacteria, airborne diseases, and viruses. The first step after suffering a hospital work injury in order to physically, emotionally and financially recover, is to file a workers compensation claim. If you work in a hospital or at a hospital construction site and have been injured, Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, can help you through this difficult time and make sure that your claim is not denied

Types of Injuries Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Arkansas

Employers in Arkansas with three or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. Most accidents that take place “on the job” are eligible for workers compensation coverage. However, workplace injures stemming from incidents such as fights between coworkers, recreational activity, and/or other “off duty” activities are generally not covered under workers compensation. Injuries that are not from a single incident but have developed over time as a result of job duties are covered. Some of these injuries include:

• Hernias
• Cardiovascular diseases/injuries
• Back or neck injuries
• Hearing loss
• Occupational diseases sustained from exposure to toxic chemicals at work (for example: asbestosis)
• Repetitive motion injuries (for example: carpal tunnel)
• Mental or emotional disorders

Types of Benefits Offered Under a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Arkansas

If you have been injured on the job in a hospital or hospital construction site and have a successful claim to workers compensation, you could be entitled to the following benefits:

• Physical or vocational rehabilitation therapy
• Prescription drugs
• Surgery
• Braces and crutches
• Visits to an approved health care provider
• Other physician-approved medical supplies
• Death benefits, such as funeral expenses (where applicable)
• Coverage for a specific loss such as a limb
• Lost wages/missed work

It is important that prior to being treated for your injuries, you have obtained the approval of your employer’s workers compensation carrier. If the carrier approves of the doctor you have chosen to be seen by, you will not be responsible for the associated medical bills. If you see a doctor without the approval of your employer’s carrier, you could potentially be held responsible for subsequent medical bills. If or when your treatment is approved, the doctor who treats you will directly bill your employer’s carrier. Should the bill come to you, send the bill directly to your employer or its carrier.

How to Receive Benefits For a Hospital Workplace Injury

If you have been injured on the job at the hospital or hospital construction site you work for, it is important that you report your accident and associated injuries immediately. The next step to receiving benefits is for your employer to complete a First Report of Injury or Illness claim and submit it to its insurance carrier. Once your employer has completed the report, your you will be evaluated by the doctor your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier has chosen. There are several steps you can take in order to ensure that your benefits are not stopped or delayed. Some of these steps include:

• As soon as your injury has occurred or as soon as you have become aware of your injury, complete all necessary paperwork as soon as possible. Keep all records and documents in a safe place so that you can refer back to them if need be.
• Do your best to keep and attend all necessary doctor appointments.
• If you have received any earnings after your injury, report them to the workers compensation carrier.
• Before you receive treatment, be sure to obtain approval from your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier.
• Return to work as soon as you have obtained your doctor’s permission to do so.

If payment has not been made or if necessary medical treatment has not been provided for one year, your right to receive benefits may end. It is also important to keep in mind that if your doctor says that you must be off work for an extended period of time because of a work-related injury or illness, workers compensation coverage will replace part of your lost wages

Injured Hospital and Hospital Construction Site Workers Can Rely on Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hospital or hospital construction site job-related injury, you do not have to suffer without the compensation and benefits you deserve. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, will walk you through the claims process and fight for and protect your legal rights. To schedule your free and confidential initial consultation, call (479) 316-0438 or contact us online today.