Slips, Trips, and Falls in Hospitals: Do You Have a Case for Workers’ Comp?

When working in a hospital, you’re constantly exposed to a variety of hazards while on the job. Some of the most common ones are slips, falls, and trips. Whether it’s a slippery floor or a hazard blocking your path, these accidents can cause serious injuries if you aren’t careful.

However, not all injuries necessarily lead to workers’ comp claims. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for benefits, this post helps clarify doubts and enables you to figure out the next steps.

Are Slips And Falls Common In Hospitals?

Yes, slip and falls are one of the most common accidents in medical settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the incidence rate of lost-workday injuries was 38.2 per 10,000 employees. This is 90% higher than in other private industries.

Slips and falls in hospitals happen for many reasons, including:

• Wet floors
• Safety hazards
• Rushing during emergency procedures
• Spills from medical equipment or cleaning solutions
• Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells

When A Slip and Fall Case Qualifies For Workers’ Comp

It Happened On The Clock

In most slip and fall cases, you’ll need to prove you were actually on the clock. This includes regular shifts, overtime, or mandatory holiday hours. As long as you can show you’re clocked in and working during the accident, your case can move forward.

Additionally, it doesn’t really matter where the accident happened. Any falls that occurred on the premises (a building, company parking lot, etc.) may still qualify if they happened during work hours.

The Accident Was Caused By Workplace Hazards

Many slip and fall cases will automatically escalate to a workers’ comp claim if workplace hazards were involved. If the employer knew (or should’ve been aware) about the hazard, that further strengthens your argument. Even temporary safety issues could still count if it created a dangerous situation for everyone.

You Were Doing Something For Your Employer

Aside from routine tasks, performing duties for your employer, such as running errands, can also be considered as evidence. This could induce anything from moving between work areas to handling new equipment. As long as you prove the action benefited your employer in some way, you would still be eligible for benefits.

When A Slip And Fall Won’t Lead To A Case

Just because you had an accident doesn’t mean it will automatically lead to a case. A few instances where workers’ comp benefits aren’t likely to lead to a claim include:

• The fall happened off the clock
• You were running personal errands
• You were commuting to or from work with a personal vehicle
• You were horseplaying or disregarding safety rules
• The accident happened in an area outside of your employer’s jurisdiction

If you don’t know whether your case falls into these categories, a workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case’s details and determine if you still can file a claim.

Speak To Our Lawyers Today

Getting into a slip and fall accident could lead to lifelong injuries and potential time away from work. However, no two cases are the same. Our Long Island workers’ compensation lawyers have decades of experience advocating for hospital workers and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. Please contact us at 855-598-1413 to schedule a free consultation with us today.