Daycare Worker Injuries On The Job

Working at a daycare facility in Pompano Beach or elsewhere in South Florida might sound like easy work to some, but it is actually an area of employment that comes with a wide range of injury risks. Not only can daycare workers be at risk of some of the same types of injuries as office workers, but they can also be exposed to injuries resulting from frequent contact with young children.

According to a report from HealthDay, many people assume that daycare centers are not “dangerous places.” Yet as that article underscores, “taking care of young children can be hard, stressful, and yes, risk work.” Indeed, as the article explains: “Every day, teachers and aides carry heavy loads, many of which are squirming or screaming. They see more runny noses and cases of pinkeye (conjunctivitis) than the average pediatrician does. They run themselves ragged trying to keep up with several bundles of energy at a time.” Indeed, daycare workers can suffer many types of harm in the workplace. Our Pompano Beach workers’ compensation lawyers want to provide you with more information and to clarify how workers can seek benefits following an injury on the job at a daycare center in South Florida.

Common Types of Injuries for Daycare Workers

 What types of injuries are most common among daycare workers? The following is a brief list of the types of injuries that daycare workers frequently experience at work:

• Slips, trips, and falls;
• Overuse injuries, including back injuries and shoulder injuries from carrying children;
• Exposure to infectious diseases, especially “chicken pox, mumps, influenza, tuberculosis, meningitis, strep throat, and infections of cytomegalovirus (CMV), according to HealthDay, in addition to hepatitis A, ringworm, and giardia;
• Sprains and strains caused by falls and lifting;
• Bite injuries from infants and toddlers; and
• Cuts, lacerations, and contusions caused by accidental and intentional behaviors of children.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage and Daycare Employees 

If you were injured while working at a daycare center, it is essential to know that you may be eligible to obtain workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law. The Florida workers’ compensation system has specific requirements, which you will need to learn about and follow. First, you will need to report your injury to your employer within 30 days from the date that the injury occurred. You will also need to seek medical care. In Florida, medical care must be with a provider who has been approved by your employer or the insurer. However, there is an exception for your initial visit if you need emergency medical attention. You will need to ensure that any follow-up visits are with an approved provider.

To ensure that you have taken all necessary steps, you should get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

Contact a Pompano Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney 

Do you need help filing a workers’ compensation claim after getting hurt while working at a daycare center in South Florida? Our experienced Pompano Beach workers’ compensation attorneys can help you to seek the benefits you need. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. to learn more about how we can assist you.

Sources:

consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/children-s-health-10/misc-kid-s-health-news-435/daycare-workers-646424.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.02.html