Working in a hospital is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding jobs there is. Nurses, technicians, aides, and other healthcare workers face daily risks that most workplaces never see — from lifting and transferring patients to exposure to infectious disease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospital workers experience injuries and illnesses at a rate of 6.0 cases per 100 full-time workers — higher than the rate in manufacturing and construction (source). When a hospital employee is injured on the job, knowing where to turn can make all the difference in protecting their health, their income, and their legal rights.
At the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave, we help hospital workers in Springfield and Joplin navigate the workers’ compensation process and pursue every avenue of recovery available to them.
Hospital Injury Lawyer in Missouri
Common Injuries Hospital Employees Face on the Job
Hospital workers are exposed to a wide range of workplace hazards that can lead to serious, sometimes lasting injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Patient handling injuries — Lifting, repositioning, or transferring patients puts significant strain on the back, shoulders, and joints, making musculoskeletal injuries among the most frequent in healthcare settings.
- Slips, trips, and falls — Wet floors, cluttered hallways, and fast-paced environments create constant slip and fall risks throughout hospitals.
- Needlestick and exposure injuries — Accidental needlesticks and exposure to blood-borne pathogens or infectious diseases are serious occupational hazards for clinical staff.
- Workplace violence — Hospital workers can face assault or physical aggression from patients or their family members, a risk that is unique to healthcare environments.
- Toxic substance exposure — Regular contact with cleaning agents, disinfectants, and other chemicals can cause respiratory problems, skin conditions, and other health complications.
If you suffered any of these injuries while working in a hospital, you may have a valid workers’ compensation claim — and possibly more.
How a Hospital Injury Claim Works in Missouri
When a hospital employee is injured on the job, Missouri law generally requires that they pursue compensation through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance — not by filing a lawsuit directly against the hospital. In exchange for access to this no-fault system, employees give up the right to sue their employer in civil court.
Workers’ compensation can cover your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, if your claim is disputed or denied, you’ll need to go through a formal administrative process, which may include a hearing before an administrative law judge. If the result of that hearing goes against you, you still have the right to appeal within the administrative system.
An experienced hospital injury attorney can guide you through each step of this process — from filing your initial claim correctly to representing you at a hearing if your claim is challenged.
When You Can Sue a Third Party for a Hospital Injury
Workers’ compensation isn’t always the only path to recovery. In some situations, a party other than your employer may share responsibility for your injury — and in those cases, you may have the right to file a separate personal injury claim in civil court. For example:
- If a patient physically assaults you, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that individual while also filing a workers’ compensation claim with the hospital.
- If you were injured by a defective piece of medical equipment, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or others in the supply chain.
Third-party claims can allow you to recover damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides — including compensation for pain and suffering. Understanding whether your situation qualifies is precisely why having a knowledgeable lawyer in your corner matters.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave?
We handle workers’ compensation and personal injury claims across Missouri, with offices in Springfield and Joplin. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We offer free case evaluations so you can understand your options with zero financial pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. Missouri law requires hospital employees to pursue compensation through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance rather than filing a lawsuit against the hospital directly. However, if a third party contributed to your injury, you may have additional legal options.
A denied claim doesn’t mean your case is over. You have the right to appeal the decision through the administrative process, which includes a hearing before an administrative law judge. An attorney can represent you through this process and help build a stronger case.
Yes, in some circumstances. If a third party — such as a patient, visitor, or equipment manufacturer — played a role in your injury, you may be able to pursue a separate civil claim alongside your workers’ compensation case.
Workers’ compensation can cover medical bills, a portion of your lost wages, and rehabilitation. A successful third-party personal injury claim may also allow you to recover damages for pain and suffering.
Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim. It’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and consult with an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
The Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Related Articles from Our Blog
These posts can help you better understand your rights as an injured worker in Missouri:
- What Is the Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Shoulder Surgery? — Hospital workers suffer shoulder injuries at high rates. Learn what compensation may look like after surgery.
- What to Expect from a Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Knee Surgery — Knee injuries are among the most common workplace injuries. This post walks through what settlements typically involve.
- How to Prepare for a Workers’ Compensation Hearing — If your claim is disputed, you may face a hearing. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect.
- What to Expect When You Schedule a Free Case Evaluation — Not sure what happens when you first call a lawyer? This post walks you through the whole process.