The Effects of Concussions on Tennessee’s Healthcare Workers

Doctors, nurses, surgeons, paramedics, and other healthcare workers are expected to take care of sick and injured patients who enter hospitals and clinics. However, many people do not think about the possibility of the healthcare providers becoming injured or hurt while on the job, which happens more often than you might imagine.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that there were over 221,000 work-related injuries and illnesses recorded at hospitals throughout the United States in 2019, making hospitals one of the most risky and unsafe environments in which to work.

How are nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers hurt on the job?

Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers have very demanding jobs, and it is common for medical professionals to develop injuries or become hurt while they are working. The following are a few of the main causes for their injuries:

• They often slip and fall when something spills or the floor is wet.
• They constantly deal with difficult and violent patients who may hurt them.
• They are often exposed to toxic chemicals, infections, and illnesses that are contagious.
• They need to lift and move patients who need to move around, go to the restroom, or need help walking.
• They work long shifts, which often require them to stand for extensive periods of time.
• They are required to do repetitive duties throughout the day.
• They continuously find themselves in high-stress situations where accidents and mistakes occur.
• They operate and handle difficult and dangerous equipment that can potentially harm them.

Healthcare professionals who suffer concussions at work

Nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals are prone to significant injuries while at work, such as spinal cord injuries, broken and fractured bones, cuts and lacerations, severe bruising, traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage, and more.

However, one of the most common injuries that healthcare professionals often find themselves being diagnosed with are concussions. These injuries must be treated as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage to the head or brain. If they are left untreated, there is a possibility that the individual could experience serious complications, which could lead to death. Therefore, if you bump your head on the floor or a hard object, it is crucial that you get medical assistance immediately to find out if you have a concussion and what type of treatment options are available to you.

What is a concussion and what are the symptoms?

According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a concussion is caused by striking, bumping, or hitting your head. You can also get a concussion if someone hits you on the head forcefully with an object. Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that form when the brain rapidly moves back and forth. This rapid movement can significantly damage the cells within the brain, causing life-threatening consequences for the individual. Here are some of the symptoms to be aware of if you suspect that you may have a concussion:

• Severe and painful headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Vision problems
• Ear ringing
• Feeling confused and dizzy
• Speech issues
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate or focus
• Sleep issues
• Noise and light sensitivity
• Feeling irritable or depressed
• Taste and smell problems

How is a concussion treated?

Depending how severe your concussion is, it can take weeks, months, or even years to see a full recovery. Sometimes, people never fully recover, but they learn how to adapt to their new lives. Several of the different treatment recommendations that may be ordered by your healthcare provider for your concussion are:

• Lots of rest, sleep, and relaxation.
• Do not participate in sports or other physical activities while recovering.
• During the first couple of days, you should refrain from doing anything that requires mental thinking, focus, or concentration.
• After receiving approval from a doctor, you should slowly ease into activities that require mental or physical activity.
• Take breaks throughout the day to give your brain time to rest.
• Participate in various therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy, and more.
• Take medications for headaches or pain if recommended by your doctor.

Can healthcare workers file a workers’ compensation claim for a concussion in Chattanooga, TN?

If you are a nurse, doctor, phlebotomist, EMT, or any other type of healthcare worker who has been hurt on the job, you may be wondering if you can file a worker’s compensation claim. That is where the Chattanooga workers’ compensation attorneys at Wagner & Wagner come in as we believe that you deserve the same workers’ compensation benefits as other types of employees when you are injured on the job. Therefore, our team will not only protect your legal rights, but we will also file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf and help you secure the same benefits as any other worker.

We know and understand that it can be very stressful when you have to take time away from doing what you do best, which is saving lives and helping those who are sick. However, you should be focusing on healing and recovering instead of worrying about paying for your daily living expenses and medical bills. At Wagner & Wagner, we do everything we can to help injured nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals obtain the benefits they are entitled to for their wages and medical bills.

Wagner & Wagner has been fighting for the rights of injured medical professionals across Chattanooga, Cleveland, and North Georgia for almost 80 years. Our workers’ compensation attorneys take these cases very seriously, and we want you to know that you do have legal options when it comes to your injuries. Call our office or submit our contact form today to speak with our team and learn if you qualify for workers’ compensation. The last thing we want is for you to return to your demanding job without the proper rest and recovery that you need and deserve.