Injured on the Job as a Nurse in Illinois? Here’s What to Know
Nurses and healthcare workers are the foundation of Illinois’s healthcare system. Every day they walk busy hospital halls, lift and move patients, bend, stretch, and handle chemicals all to help others heal. Few people realize how physically and emotionally demanding their work truly is. But every year, thousands of Illinois nurses suffer preventable injuries simply by doing their jobs.
According to OSHA, hospitals report more work-related injuries and illnesses each year than construction or manufacturing. Nearly one in four nurses has had to miss work or switch shifts to recover from an injury that wasn’t even reported, and eight out of ten say they regularly work through pain.
Common injuries include:
• Back injuries from patient handling – Over one-third of back injuries among healthcare workers are linked to lifting or moving patients.
• Repetitive stress injuries – Constant lifting and repositioning can lead to muscle strains, torn ligaments, and chronic joint pain.
• Infections – Nurses face exposure to diseases through contact with patients, needles, or contaminated materials. Hepatitis B is among the most common.
• Toxic exposure – From cleaning agents to latex and sterilants, everyday chemicals can cause harm through accidental contact or inhalation.
• Violent incidents – Sadly, nurses experience workplace violence three times more often than workers in other industries.
If you’ve been injured while working in a hospital or any healthcare setting, you don’t have to face the system alone. We’ve helped countless injured nurses in Illinois get the medical care and compensation they deserve.
We understand how exhausting this time can be physically, emotionally, and financially. Let us take care of the legal details so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at (312) 726-5567 for a free, no-obligation consultation or contact us online. Our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to protect your rights and help you secure the full benefits and medical care you deserve under Illinois law.