What Types of Injuries are Common in Healthcare Settings that May Be Covered By Workers' Compensation?

On Behalf of DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C. | April 22, 2025

Hurt while on the job working in a healthcare profession? In Pennsylvania, you have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry explains that workers’ comp is no-fault, and it can cover all job-related injuries and occupational diseases. Here, our Chambersburg workers’ compensation lawyer highlights common healthcare-related injuries that may be covered by workers’ comp in Pennsylvania.

Back Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries, and most notably, back injuries, are a major issue in health care in Pennsylvania. Lifting or transferring patients is a leading cause of back problems among nurses, aides, and other healthcare workers. These injuries can range from muscle strains to herniated discs and may require extensive physical therapy or even surgery. Workers’ compensation can cover both the medical care and lost wages related to recovery.

Needlestick Injuries

Accidental punctures from needles or other sharp instruments expose healthcare workers to the risk of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation can cover testing, treatment, and follow-up care for needlestick injuries. Notably, these incidents are medical emergencies. Prompt care is an absolute must.

Slip and Fall Accidents

These accidents are certainly not unique to healthcare settings, but they are a big risk in the industry. Spills, cluttered hallways, and fast-paced environments create slip and fall hazards in hospitals and clinics. These accidents can lead to sprains, fractures, or head injuries. Workers’ comp benefits are available for work-related slip and fall accidents.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Working in health care can be truly taxing. Indeed, performing the same motions repeatedly—such as bending, lifting, or charting—can lead to repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. These injuries often develop gradually and can significantly impact a worker’s ability to do their job. In Pennsylvania, health employees can file for workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injuries.

It is a sad reality, but physical aggression from patients is not uncommon in healthcare. It can be a big problem in emergency rooms and behavioral health settings. Workers can suffer bruises, fractures, or emotional trauma. Workers’ comp in Pennsylvania can cover both physical and mental health treatment for these incidents.

Exposure to Infectious Diseases

Healthcare workers frequently come into contact with contagious patients, making them susceptible to illnesses like COVID-19, tuberculosis, or even the flu. Workers’ compensation may provide coverage if the illness is proven to be work-related. However, some challenges can arise with these types of cases. Documentation of exposure is key for a workers’ comp claim.

Chronic stress, burnout, or trauma from witnessing suffering or emergencies can impact a healthcare worker’s mental health. In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation may cover mental health treatment in cases of documented work-related psychological injury. However, there are some challenges. Claims for PTSD or anxiety often require strong supporting evidence.

Contact Our Chambersburg, PA Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorney is a strong, reliable advocate for justice. If you have any questions about your right to seek benefits, we are here as a resource. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential consultation. From our Chambersburg and Gettysburg law offices, we represent health care workers across the region.