Help for Nurses and CNAs Assaulted at Work

 Posted on November 12, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

No one should be getting physically attacked at work. Unfortunately, a very large percentage of nurses and nurses’ aids will experience workplace violence. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses are about five times more likely to be assaulted while working than the average worker. The World Health Organization suggests that up to 38 percent of nurses will be assaulted at some point during their careers, generally by a patient or a patient’s family member. These attacks can cause serious physical injuries or psychological trauma that renders you unable to work for some time. Healthcare workers who are assaulted at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation. An experienced San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation attorney can fight for you.

Why Workplace Violence is a Major Cause of Work Injuries for Healthcare Workers

Nurses are expected to deal with people at their worst. Especially in the emergency room, a lot of patients are in crisis - they are in extreme pain, having a psychotic break, or are receiving life-altering news. Patient’s family members who are unsure whether their loved one is going to survive are often experiencing an emotional crisis. These people are more inclined to act out violently than the average customer at a grocery store or florist. The emotionality of the situation does not excuse violence against healthcare workers, but it does explain why nurses are at higher risk of being assaulted.

There is also the issue of patients suffering from dementia or psychosis who truly do not understand where they are or what is happening. These patients are exceptionally prone to violence. Dementia and psychosis patients generally cannot appreciate the consequences of their actions. Nurses who work in geriatric psychiatry, crisis psychiatry, and elder care are more likely to get assaulted than, for example, a nurse who works in a general practitioner’s outpatient office.

Many states, including California, are instituting harsher penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker in an effort to curb workplace violence.

Common Workplace Violence Injuries

Common injuries seen among nurses and CNAs who have been assaulted at work include: 

• Head trauma - Being knocked down or hit in the head can cause serious and lasting injuries. 
• Internal bleeding - Being kicked or punched in the torso can cause significant injuries that may require immediate care. 
• Broken bones - Nurses can be hit or kicked in the face or ribs, causing broken bones. Being thrown to the ground can also cause injuries like broken hands or wrists. 
• Psychological injury - Being attacked at work can cause PTSD, anxiety, or other serious mental health issues, especially if the employer did not handle the situation properly by looking out for the injured nurse or CNA. 

Contact a Hollister, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Healthcare Workers

Cramer + Martinez is committed to providing nurses, CNAs and other healthcare workers with the best representation possible. Our dedicated San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers care about our healthcare worker and will do all we can to get you the compensation you need. Contact us at 408-848-1113 for a complimentary consultation.