Frontline healthcare workers always have a complex—and critically important—job. However, after the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the critical roles frontline healthcare workers have in society have become paramount. At a minimum, frontline healthcare workers deserve the benefits of employment they’ve been promised, including eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an occupational injury or illness.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., attorney Jason Hatfield recently obtained benefits on behalf of two Arkansas frontline healthcare workers. In each case, their employer denied the requested benefits. As an advocate for frontline workers before the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission, Jason successfully ensured that these frontline healthcare workers received all medical treatment needed to recover from their injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Claimant Frontline Healthcare Worker v. Pain Treatment Centers of America – Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission Claim No. H003130
The claimant, in this case, was a UDT (urine drug test) collector responsible for getting a patient from the waiting room, asking them to empty their pockets, having them go into the bathroom, and standing outside while the patient supplied a urine sample. On March 2, 2020, the claimant tripped over a co-worker’s foot while entering the lab, injuring her right knee and left hand. Before this incident, the claimant had no problems with her right knee.
Her employer initially admitted that the injury was compensable under Arkansas Workers’ Compensation law. The claimant was diagnosed with a contusion, another word for a bruise. However, she was referred to an orthopedic specialist. The orthopedic specialist decided that the claimant suffered from a right MCL strain with a possible meniscus tear. The specialist then ordered an MRI scan of the claimant’s right knee and gave her a knee brace to wear. An injection was also called, and the specialist suggested that surgery may be necessary if the claimant did not respond to the conservative treatment.
Also, the specialist recommended physical therapy; however, the employers’ workers’ compensation carrier decided that the patient did not need physical therapy. The specialist later gave the claimant another injection, re-issued the suggestion for physical therapy, and told the claimant she could return to work full time, provided she wore the knee brace. However, the specialist recommended an arthroscopic surgical procedure after the claimant’s condition did not improve. The employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company again denied benefits based upon a medical report received from a doctor the insurance carrier hired.
Jason successfully proved that the claimant was entitled to more medical treatment, including the surgery recommended by her treating physician.
Claimant Frontline Healthcare Worker v. Northport Health Services Ark. LLC – Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission Claim No. H005596
The claimant, in this case, was a care transition coordinator employed by a nursing home company. The claimant’s job responsibilities included receiving patient referrals and following up with physicians, case managers, social workers, and other individuals to decide if a patient was eligible for nursing home care. On her first day of work, the claimant was sent by plane to attend a training course in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. However, as she retrieved her luggage from the carousel, she heard a pop accompanied by immediate pain in her wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Regardless, she completed the required training and reported her injury to her employer.
The employer sent her to a doctor, where she was diagnosed with a shoulder, upper arm area, and right elbow strain. The doctor prescribed medication and allowed the claimant to return to work with restrictions. The doctor continued to treat the claimant with medication, work restrictions, injections, and physical therapy. Eventually, an MRI scan of her right elbow and shoulder was ordered. Subsequently, the doctor decided that the claimant’s right elbow revealed lateral epicondylitis. He then administered added injections; however, her condition did not improve.
Later, an orthopedic surgeon evaluated the claimant and recommended a similar course of treatment. The surgeon ultimately recommended surgery, scheduled for August 6, 2020. However, because the claimant caught COVID-19, the surgery was canceled. Her employer also denied liability for the surgery. While the claimant pursued her workers’ compensation claim, the surgeon continued to provide her with injections to alleviate some of the pain. Although the claimant was promoted and appeared to be doing well in her new position, the claimant ended up being terminated on December 1, 2020.
The claimant requested more medical treatment as recommended by the orthopedic surgeon. However, her former employer’s insurance carrier denied her claim based on a medical report from a doctor hired by the insurance carrier.
Jason successfully proved that the claimant was entitled to more medical treatment, including surgery as recommended by her treating physician.
Obtaining Much Needed and Well-Deserved Compensation for Frontline Healthcare Workers
Regardless of their specific department frontline healthcare workers work in, they face many daily risks in their line of work. Healthcare workers have been in short supply in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has only increased the already substantial workload of most healthcare workers. At the same time, the safety protections healthcare workers have had may not continue, which can lead to injuries such as rotator cuff tears of the shoulder, meniscus tears of the knee, and herniated discs of the back or neck. Falls are also common, as workers are forced to hurry between patients or duties.
If you worked in the healthcare field and sustained a workplace injury, the unfortunate reality is that you will face a confusing workers’ compensation system. You will be left to navigate lost wages, lost over time, and issues involving light duty, medical care, and medical expenses. And what will you do if your employer-recommended doctor tells you that you can return to work when your doctor shows you need more time off or medical care? Healthcare providers injured on the job should understand all the benefits they are entitled to by consulting with our experienced Arkansas workers’ compensation attorney.
Jason has seen it all, and there is a misplaced notion that injured healthcare workers receive adequate medical support and work comp benefits; unfortunately, that is not always the case. Healthcare workers deserve better, which is why Jason is here to help pursue the benefits they need to heal from their injuries and get back to work.
Consult an Attorney Specialized in Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Law
Arkansas workers’ compensation is a highly specialized area of the law, and you should team up with a law firm that understands the nuances of Arkansas workers’ comp law. Jason can bring the necessary legal knowledge, experience, and dedication to frontline healthcare workers’ accident and injury work claims throughout Arkansas and help you obtain the benefits to help you and your families face such injuries’ physical and financial hardships.
Jason’s goal is to minimize frontline healthcare workers’ physical and monetary impact and their families. He works zealously to secure a favorable result for the people who care for our community. Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. (479) 361-3575 to schedule your free initial consultation. Let Jason handle the legal side of things while you focus on getting well.