Work-Related Brain Trauma for Healthcare Workers

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we are committed to fighting for your rights. If you’re a healthcare worker who experienced an on-the-job injury, contact our team of workers’ compensation attorneys today at one of our offices in Wilmington, Newark, or Seaford.

Healthcare professionals across the United States, including those in Delaware, navigate an inherently demanding work environment daily. The nature of their responsibilities demands acute attention, quick decision-making, and physical agility. While the dedication of healthcare workers is undeniable, the challenges they face extend beyond the surface, and one often overlooked aspect is the risk of serious brain trauma.

Common causes of brain trauma for healthcare workers

From the high-stakes intensity of their daily responsibilities to the unpredictable nature of their work environment, healthcare workers find themselves susceptible to brain trauma in a multitude of ways. Whether through the physical toll, the emotional strain, or the insidious long-term effects of occupational hazards, healthcare workers are fully immersed in an environment where the risk of brain trauma is apparent.

Slips and falls

Healthcare workers often experience brain injuries from falls and accidents. The stressful nature of healthcare jobs can make people lose focus, increasing the chances of accidents. Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and other workplace dangers make the risk even higher. When someone falls, it can really damage their brain. It’s not just about the immediate injuries, either. It can also make it hard for the person to think clearly. They might have trouble remembering things, concentrating, and making good decisions. This not only affects the person who got hurt but could also put patients at risk.

Violence

Coping with agitated or violent patients demands a delicate balance of empathy and security, as healthcare workers may face physical harm in the line of duty. Beyond patient interactions, healthcare providers also contend with physical abuse from patients’ families, adding an additional layer of complexity to their roles.

In fact, results from a spring survey conducted by National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the nation, revealed that 48% of the participating nurses reported a rise in workplace violence. This percentage is more than double that of the previous year, highlighting the escalating concerns surrounding violence against healthcare workers.

Stress

The correlation between workplace violence and brain injuries is striking, with not only the direct physical impact of altercations but also the enduring stress and emotional toll contributing to the risk of long-term cognitive impairment. Healthcare professionals in nursing often struggle with stress-induced health issues, a prevailing challenge attributed to the enduring pressure and emotional burden of their roles. Prolonged high stress may contribute to strokes by chronically elevated blood pressure, fostering inflammation, and exacerbating cardiovascular risk factors, ultimately increasing the susceptibility to cerebrovascular events.

The United States is no stranger to this issue either, recording over 795,000 stroke cases annually, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To make matters worse, part of a separate study, 50% of nurses expressed concern regarding the intense stress levels associated with their roles.

Transporting patients

The process of moving patients exposes healthcare workers to a range of physical challenges, such as lifting and positioning, which can result in strains, sprains, or more severe injuries. What’s even more serious are the transportation-related injuries that extend to motor vehicle accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents pose a significant risk to healthcare professionals who regularly commute to provide patient care or transport individuals to medical facilities. The inherent unpredictability of road conditions, coupled with the urgency often associated with patient transport, creates a scenario where the risk of accidents is elevated. These accidents not only jeopardize the safety of healthcare workers but also have a profound impact on their brain health. The CDC states that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common results of car accidents, and they’re often missed or misdiagnosed in adults which can result in delayed treatment, prolonged recovery periods, and the potential for long-term cognitive and functional impairments.

Impact of brain trauma on Delaware healthcare workers

Brain injuries can affect healthcare workers in different ways, and one big concern is cognitive impairment. Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making represent challenges that can affect the professional capabilities of healthcare workers in Delaware. In a field where precision and swift decision-making are critical, the burden of cognitive impairment introduces a tough challenge, demanding a delicate balance between maintaining high performance standards and coping with the effects of brain trauma.

Experiencing brain trauma of any kind takes a toll on healthcare workers in various ways. The challenges with thinking and memory not only affect their work but also bring emotional and psychological difficulties. Looking ahead, there’s concern that brain trauma may lead to chronic conditions and diseases in the long term. Detecting and treating these issues early is crucial to prevent long-term health problems.

Delaware workers’ compensation acts as a lifeline

Workers’ compensation plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare workers facing any form of brain trauma, whether mild or severe. Given the serious nature of brain injuries, immediate and appropriate treatment is crucial. Treatment may involve a range of interventions, from rest and rehabilitation to medical therapies and, in severe cases, surgery.

Workers’ compensation becomes instrumental in this process, as it provides financial coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential lost wages during the recovery period. This support ensures that healthcare workers can access the necessary medical care without facing financial burdens. By facilitating the necessary treatment and recovery processes, workers’ compensation not only aids in the physical healing of the injured worker but also contributes to their overall well-being, allowing them to return to their critical roles in providing healthcare services.

Facing brain trauma, whether it’s a temporary setback or a lasting condition, is an inherently life-altering experience for healthcare workers. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, our team of Delaware legal professionals is committed to being by your side throughout the challenging journey of seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling or filling out our contact form. With offices in Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford, we’re here to support healthcare workers dealing with brain trauma, offering the legal assistance and guidance needed during this challenging time.