Workers’ Compensation For Healthcare Employees in Georgia

While health care workers spend their time taking care of those with illnesses and injuries, the workers themselves are prone to experiencing on-the-job injuries. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, nursing assistant, home health care worker, orderly or paramedic, if you have sustained an occupational injury or illness, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to you.

When you need workers’ compensation benefits after being injured as an employee at a health care facility or another setting, take action with the help of an experienced attorney at the office of Skibiel Law. Since 1992, our Jonesboro, Georgia-based legal team has been providing clients with tailored advice and guidance regarding their rights to workers’ compensation.

Founding attorney Mark A. Skibiel works tirelessly to see that you get the benefits you deserve in order to move forward with your life as normally as possible. In addition to working in the Jonesboro area, we also handle cases at our satellite office in Atlanta, and represent clients in McDonough and all of the surrounding communities.

The Real Risks Healthcare Workers Face in Georgia Facilities

Workers in Georgia hospitals and care facilities face risks beyond the usual workplace hazards. Patient handling is one of the most common causes of serious injury. Even with equipment like gait belts and Hoyer lifts, workers are frequently forced to act quickly, sometimes without assistance.

In understaffed environments, many nurses and aides lift or reposition patients alone, increasing the risk of muscle tears, spinal injuries and long-term back damage. Long shifts and double shifts only make this worse, as fatigue reduces proper form and awareness.

We fight to help ensure that workers receive compensation not only for immediate care but also for long-term monitoring and preventive treatment, which is necessary after exposure incidents.

Occupational Illness & Infectious Disease Exposure

Health care workers are regularly exposed to blood, bodily fluids and airborne illnesses. Even with safety protocols in place, accidents happen. Common exposure risks include:

• Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B or C from needlesticks or wounds
• Respiratory illnesses like tuberculosis or COVID-19 from close patient contact
• Cross-contamination from handling medical equipment or waste
• Repeated low-level exposure that builds risk over time

What makes these cases especially difficult in Georgia is the burden of proof. Workers must show that the illness was more likely contracted on the job rather than in the community. Insurance companies typically use this uncertainty point to deny claims or limit coverage.

An attorney works to trace the source of exposure by reviewing work schedules, patient records, incident reports and medical evaluations. Our Georgia health care worker injury lawyer fights for coverage that addresses current and long-term consequences.

Workplace Violence: Assaults by Patients and Visitors

Violence in health care settings is an increasing concern, and it affects workers across all roles. Unlike other industries, health care professionals deal with individuals who may be confused, in pain or under emotional distress.

It is important to know the differences between incident types. For example, a confused patient may unintentionally cause injury during care. However, other situations may involve intentional harm, like hitting, kicking or biting. Both types can introduce serious physical and emotional consequences.

These claims can become even more complex when mental health conditions are involved or when the person responsible is not a coworker. In cases involving visitors or third parties, there may be additional legal claims beyond workers’ compensation.

There is a common misconception that these incidents are simply part of the job. Our Georgia health care worker injury lawyer knows better and can pursue full compensation for physical and emotional harm.

Standing Up For Your Rights After Healthcare Worker Injuries

We can help if you have been injured in any type of situation such as:

• Lifting and moving patients: Many health care workers are tasked with moving and transporting patients. Unfortunately, this can put the workers at risk for sustaining muscle strains, back injuries and other injuries due to lifting patients.
• Slip and falls: Whether a floor was recently cleaned, there was medical debris on a floor, or a floor was covered in bodily fluids, it is easy for a medical professional to slip and fall or trip and fall at work, and become injured.
• Patient violence: Unfortunately, some patients get out of control and become violent with the staff. Head injuries, broken bones, black eyes, lacerations and abrasions can result from an assault by a patient at work.
• Chemical and disease exposure: Health care workers are asked to place themselves in harm’s way when dealing with contagious patients and dangerous chemicals that are used to treat patients. Such workers can become seriously ill if unintentionally exposed to toxic chemicals or dangerous bacteria and viruses.
• Needlesticks: Even the most careful nurse or medical professional can be inadvertently stuck with a needle. This can cause a wide range of health issues, from serious, lifetime diseases to treatable infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we speak to some common concerns about health care workers’ injuries.

If I report an injury caused by understaffing, can the hospital fire me for negligence?

Employers cannot lawfully terminate a worker simply for filing a claim. Reporting a workplace injury is a protected action. Additionally, understaffing is an operational issue, not individual negligence. If retaliation occurs, it may create an additional legal claim. An attorney can step in to protect employment rights and the injury case.

Does Georgia workers’ compensation cover me if I get a needlestick but test negative for diseases immediately after?

Yes, coverage should apply. Many infections do not appear immediately after exposure. Workers’ compensation can cover follow-up testing, preventive medications and monitoring over time. Without legal support, there is a risk that insurers will limit benefits to the initial visit, leaving workers to handle future medical costs alone.

I have a preexisting back condition; can I still claim workers’ comp if lifting a patient made it worse?

A preexisting condition does not prevent a valid claim. If a work-related activity aggravates or worsens that condition, it is still eligible for compensation. However, the challenge lies in proving that the job caused a measurable change in the condition.

I had a needlestick injury but tested negative immediately. Why do I need a lawyer?

Even with an initial negative result, needlesticks require ongoing attention. Follow-up testing, preventive care and monitoring may be necessary for months. Since insurance companies often try to limit what they cover. A lawyer helps ensure that all future medical needs related to the incident are included in the claim.

Consult With a Lawyer Who is on Your Side

You work hard to take care of others. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to take care of you. Call us locally at 770-400-0963 or toll-free at 770-968-3554 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.