Trust Our Legal Team to Help You Understand Workers' Comp Rights for Ohio Nurses Suffering Seasonal Illnesses
As a healthcare professional, you’re always focused on caring for others, but your well-being matters, too. With the changing seasons, new health risks emerge, and when you’re on the front lines, they become realities. At Monast Law Office, we understand the unique challenges of your industry, especially regarding seasonal illnesses you might contract in the workplace. We explain what you need to know about how these illnesses can affect your ability to do your job effectively and your options for workers' compensation in Ohio.
How Seasonal Illnesses Impact Your Ability to Work
Being exposed to different illnesses every day is more than just a nuisance—it can mean missing work, losing income, paying medical bills, and dealing with the stress of getting back on your feet. Flu season can be particularly tough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that healthcare workers are at a higher risk of getting the flu than other adults. Along with the common cold, other infectious diseases that put nurses at risk include respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, norovirus, strep throat, and various strains of COVID.
When you’re working long hours and your immune system is under strain, “a little bug” can quickly develop into something more serious, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and other issues. So seasonal illnesses have more impact than just a few sick days—that’s why it’s crucial to know your rights if you’re affected.
Can Ohio Nurses Claim Workers' Comp for Seasonal Illnesses?
Ohio’s laws don’t automatically cover every illness you pick up at work. However, if you can show that your illness is directly linked to your nursing duties, you might be eligible for workers' comp.
For example, if there’s a flu or COVID outbreak in your hospital or medical office and you catch the same strain, you could have a stronger compensation case. The key is proving that performing your job led to your illness.
What to Do If You Get Sick
There are specific steps to take to ensure your rights are protected:
- Alert your supervisor. It’s essential to report your illness to your supervisor right away.
- Seek medical care. Get a detailed diagnosis and follow all recommended care.
- Keep detailed records. Track your symptoms, doctor visits, and any conversations with your employer.
- Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer. Reach out to a workers' comp attorney at Monast Law Office as soon as possible.
Reporting early and keeping good records makes a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Workers' Comp
Many nurses think they can’t get workers' comp for “common” illnesses like the flu or Covid-19. This isn’t always true. While it can be tricky to prove, it’s possible. At Monast Law Office, we’ve successfully helped many Ohio nurses navigate these kinds of claims.
Another myth is that you must be out of work for a long time to qualify. In reality, even short-term illnesses that cause you to miss work might be covered, depending on your situation.
Protecting Your Health and Your Rights
Of course, prevention is always the best strategy. Here are ways to protect yourself:
- Maintain all vaccinations, such as your annual flu shot or Covid booster.
- Follow infection control procedures carefully.
- Use PPE as your workplace recommends.
- Take care of your health with good nutrition, enough rest, and stress management.
By taking these steps, you’re not only protecting yourself from illness but also strengthening any potential workers' compensation claims if you do get sick.
How Monast Law Office Supports Ohio Nurses
We know the unique challenges nurses face with workplace illnesses. We’re ready to help you at every step, from evaluating your claim to representing you, if needed.
Our team knows Ohio’s workers' comp laws inside and out, especially as they apply to healthcare workers. We’ll help you gather the right evidence, file your claim correctly, and stand by your side throughout the process. To learn more about how we’ve helped others in similar situations, check out our many testimonials and case results.
