Injured While Employed by Riverside Healthcare? Get the Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Deserve
Your Workplace Injury Deserves Expert Legal Representation
If you’ve been injured while working at any Riverside Healthcare facility in Eastern Virginia, you’re not alone. Healthcare workers and nurses face some of the highest injury rates of any industry, and you deserve an attorney who understands both the unique challenges of your workplace and the complexities of Virginia workers’ compensation law.
As a top-ranked Newport News workers’ compensation lawyer, Corey Pollard Law has been fighting for injured workers throughout Virginia for years, and we know exactly what the thousands of Riverside Healthcare employees face every single day. From patient handling injuries at Riverside Regional Medical Center to slip-and-fall accidents at diagnostic centers to incidents at assisted living facilities, we’ve seen it all – and we’ve won benefits and negotiated workers’ compensation settlements for employees just like you.
Why Healthcare Workers at Riverside Face Higher Injury Risks
Working at any healthcare facility, including one operated by Riverside Healthcare, poses a significant risk for occupational injuries and illnesses.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hospital workers face injury rates nearly twice as high as workers in traditionally dangerous industries like construction and manufacturing. BLS statistics show that private healthcare employees had more than 550,000 recordable injuries and illnesses in 2023 – down from the year before.
The Reality of Working at Riverside Healthcare Facilities
Riverside Healthcare operates multiple hospitals, practices, and centers across Virginia, where injuries commonly occur due to the nature of the services provided:
Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News)
- The Peninsula’s only Level II Trauma Center
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with complex patient handling
- Emergency trauma center operating 24/7
- 500 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg
- Full-service medical facility with surgical suites
- 1500 Commonwealth Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
- Serves rural communities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
- 20480 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
- Community hospital with emergency services for residents of Gloucester County, Mathews County, Middlesex County, and other Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck communities
- 7547 Medical Drive, Gloucester, VA, 23061
Other Riverside Facilities Where Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Can Occur Include:
- Riverside Behavioral Health Center
- Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital
- Select Specialty Hospital Hampton Roads
- Multiple diagnostic centers and urgent care locations
- Over 100 outpatient locations throughout the region
What Are Common Injuries for Riverside Healthcare Employees?
As a Riverside Healthcare employee, you face unique workplace hazards every shift. Here are the most common injuries we see and that you are likely to have:
Patient Handling and Lifting Injuries
Patient handling is when you are at the greatest risk of suffering a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) due to overexertion or a patient’s unexpected movement.
Nurses at busy hospitals like Riverside Regional Medical Center must routinely lift, move, and reposition patients, potentially with inadequate help or equipment, such as a Hoyer Lift.
Common injuries during patient handling include the following:
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- Back injuries from lifting patients (for example, we have represented many injured nurses who required lumbar fusion after a work-related injury)
- Shoulder and neck strains from awkward positioning, such as leaning over to position the patient in the hospital bed
- Herniated discs from heavy lifting, such as moving the patient from the bed to a wheelchair
- Knee and hip injuries from bracing during a patient transfer
- Rotator cuff tears from assisting with patient mobility
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Healthcare workers are constantly on the move, and hazards are always underfoot. Water and other liquid spills, along with loose cords, hoses, and wires, increase the chance of falls and injury. At Riverside Health facilities, the potential for slips and falls may come from:
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- Wet floors from spilled medications or bodily fluids
- Loose cords and tubing
- Cluttered hallways and patient rooms that have patient beds, furniture, and visitors and their items
- Poor lighting in storage areas and basements
- Uneven surfaces in older hospital sections, as construction is constant in many hospitals and medical facilities across the Commonwealth
Needlestick Injuries
Injuries from sharp objects are common in the healthcare setting and carry serious risks. Often these injuries occur due to:
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- Rushing during emergencies, trying to save lives
- Unexpected movement during operations
- Understaffing leads to hurried care
- Improper disposal of medical sharps
- Recapping needles against safety protocols
- Lack of safety-engineered devices
Workplace Violence
Hospital workers have a higher chance of experiencing workplace violence than all other workers, and injuries related to violence are four times more likely to cause workers to take time off. At Riverside Health facilities, this risk may include:
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- Physical assaults from agitated patients
- Injuries from patients experiencing psychiatric episodes
- Violence from stressed family members
- Security-related injuries during patient restraint
- Verbal abuse and threats affecting mental health
Chemical and Biological Exposure
Healthcare workers at Riverside Healthcare face daily exposure to dangerous substances:
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- Chemotherapy drugs and hazardous medications
- Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants
- Infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens
- Anesthesia gases in operating rooms
- Radiation exposure in diagnostic areas
Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Understaffing puts a heavy burden on front-line healthcare workers. Added workload, less assistance from others, and pressure to work at an accelerated pace can up the chances of accidents and injuries. These injuries include:
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- Carpal tunnel syndrome from computer use, entering notes, or giving injections.
- Tendonitis from repetitive motions
- Chronic fatigue leading to accidents
- Stress-related injuries from long shifts
- Mental health issues from workplace pressure (for example, we won a case for a nurse in Northern Virginia diagnosed with PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic). You are seeing people in distress, and this can affect you.
Specific Hazards by Department at Riverside Healthcare Facilities
Emergency Department Workers
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- High-stress environment with unpredictable patient behavior
- Exposure to anxious, violent, and aggressive patients
- Heavy lifting during trauma situations
- Risk of needlestick injuries during emergencies
- Chemical exposure from emergency medications
Nursing Staff
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- Patient lifting and transfer injuries
- Back injuries from bedside care
- Needlestick and sharp object injuries
- Violence from confused or agitated patients
- Repetitive stress from documentation
Operating Room Personnel
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- Slip and fall accidents on wet surfaces
- Sharp object injuries during procedures
- Chemical exposure to anesthesia gases
- Back injuries from long surgeries
- Stress-related injuries from high-pressure situations
Laboratory Workers
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- Chemical exposure to testing reagents
- Needlestick injuries from blood draws
- Slip and fall accidents from spilled specimens
- Repetitive stress injuries from equipment operation
- Biological exposure to infectious samples
Maintenance and Environmental Services
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- Slip and fall accidents during cleaning
- Chemical exposure to cleaning products
- Back injuries from equipment lifting
- Cuts from broken glass and medical waste
- Exposure to infectious materials
Radiology and Imaging Staff
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- Radiation exposure risks
- Back injuries from positioning patients
- Repetitive stress from equipment operation
- Slip and fall accidents in dark rooms
- Chemical exposure to contrast materials
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If You’re Hurt While Employed by Riverside Healthcare
Riverside Healthcare, like many large healthcare organizations, has a team of lawyers, claim adjusters, and other professionals familiar with occupational safety and health and workers’ compensation. For example, Hartford provides insurance coverage for your employer, and Adam Rafal of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black, based in Norfolk, handles many Riverside Healthcare workers’ comp claims.
The Challenges Healthcare Workers Face
Complex Medical Documentation: Your injury may be related to cumulative stress from years of patient lifting, making it harder to prove the work connection because the Workers’ Compensation Act requires you to prove that your injury happened during a specific incident. But we can help you beat this defense.
Claim Denials: Insurance companies often deny claims by alleging you have a “pre-existing” condition if you’ve reported pain in the past or by arguing that your injury did not arise out of a specific risk of the employment because the incident could have happened to the general public when visiting the healthcare facility.
Return-to-Work Pressure: The employer may pressure you to return to work before you heal completely, potentially causing re-injury, or it could offer light-duty while asking you to exceed your medical work restrictions in this accommodated position.
Inadequate Medical Care: The panel doctor might minimize your injuries or fail to explain all treatment options.
What Workers’ Compensation Should Cover for Riverside Healthcare Employees
If you’ve been injured at any Riverside Healthcare facility, Virginia workers’ compensation law may provide you with:
Lifetime Medical Benefits
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- Payment for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury or illness
- Hospital stays and emergency room visits.
- Surgery and specialist consultations
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and devices
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
Wage Replacement Benefits
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- Temporary total disability benefits (typically 2/3 of your average weekly wage)
- Temporary partial disability if you can work limited duties and earn less
- Permanent partial disability for permanent impairment to the injured body part
- Permanent total disability for severe, permanent injuries
Vocational Rehabilitation
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- Job retraining if you can’t return to your previous position
- Education and skill development programs
- Job placement assistance
- Modification of your current job duties, if possible
Death Benefits
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- Burial expenses to pay for your deceased family member’s funeral
- Weekly benefits for surviving dependents (the number of weeks depends on your exact relationship to the deceased worker)
How Corey Pollard Law Fights for Riverside Healthcare Workers
When you choose Corey Pollard Law, you’re getting an attorney who understands both the healthcare industry and Virginia workers’ compensation law. Here’s how we level the playing field:
Thorough Investigation
We document every aspect of your injury, from the hazardous conditions at your Riverside facility to the specific job duties that caused your harm. We know what evidence to look for and how to preserve it.
Medical Expert Network
We work with local doctors and nationally recognized medical experts who understand workplace injuries and can counter any biased opinions from an IME doctor.
Aggressive Advocacy
We don’t back down from insurance company tactics. When they use surveillance, we’re ready. When they schedule biased medical exams, we prepare you and fight unfair conclusions. When they delay benefits, we take action to get you paid.
Maximizing Your Benefits
We calculate the potential value of your claim, including future medical needs, likely wage loss, and permanent disability benefits. We won’t let you settle for less than you deserve.
Additionally, we evaluate your case’s facts to determine whether you have a viable third-party lawsuit against the negligent party that caused the injury or whether you are a good candidate to qualify for Social Security Disability.
Protecting Your Job from Unlawful Acts
We know Virginia employment law and can identify when your employer is retaliating against you for filing for workers’ compensation.
This act by the employer gives you an additional cause of action separate from your workers’ comp case.
Success Stories: Healthcare Workers We’ve Helped
We have helped many injured nurses in Virginia. Here is one example:
Case Study: Registered Nurse – Back Injury A hospital nurse suffered a herniated disc while lifting a patient. The insurance company claimed it was a pre-existing condition. We gathered medical records proving her past back problems had resolved well before the workplace incident. Result: Settlement.
Don’t Wait – Virginia Has Strict Time Limits
Virginia law requires you to report workplace injuries promptly and file workers’ compensation claims within strict deadlines. For most injuries, you have:
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- 30 days to report your injury to your supervisor (use our sample workplace accident report)
- Two years from the injury date to file a formal request for a hearing with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
Waiting can cost you everything. Untimely notice or failure to file within the applicable statute of limitations are total defenses to workers’ comp claims. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions from Injured Riverside Healthcare Workers
This section answers some of the most common questions we receive from employees hurt while working for Riverside Healthcare.
If you don’t see your question here, check out my answers to more than 200 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Virginia workers’ compensation.
Q: Can I sue Riverside Healthcare for my workplace injury?
A: Generally, no. In most cases, workers’ comp is the exclusive remedy against an employer. However, suppose a third party (like a medical equipment manufacturer or a patient’s family member) caused your injury. In that case, you may have a third-party action under tort law based on negligence, assault, or battery.
Q: What if my supervisor says not to report my injury?
A: Report it anyway. Your supervisor cannot prevent you from filing a workers’ compensation claim. Virginia law protects you from retaliation for reporting workplace injuries.
Q: Can I choose my doctor?
A: In Virginia, your employer can force you to choose from a list of three medical providers for the occupational injury or illness. However, you may be able to change doctors under certain circumstances, and we can help you navigate this process.
Q: What if Riverside Healthcare offers me a settlement?
A: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements that don’t account for future medical needs or permanent disability. That said, Riverside Health is usually open to participating in settlement mediation or direct negotiation to resolve the case.
Q: Will filing a workers’ comp claim affect my employment?
A: Virginia law prohibits retaliation against workers who file legitimate workers’ compensation claims. If you face discipline or termination related to your claim, we can help.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
A: Virginia workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You can receive benefits even if you were partially responsible for the accident, as long as you weren’t intoxicated or intentionally hurting yourself.
Why Choose Corey Pollard Law for Your Riverside Healthcare Injury Claim?
Specialized Experience
We focus on workers’ compensation law in Virginia, giving us deep expertise in the specific challenges healthcare workers face.
Proven Track Record
We’ve successfully represented numerous healthcare workers injured at major Virginia hospital systems, securing millions in benefits for our clients.
Personal Attention
Our firm won’t hand you off to paralegals or case managers the whole time. Attorneys Corey Pollard and Brent Jones personally handle every case and know every client’s situation.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fees come from your settlement or award, not from your pocket.
Comprehensive Support
We handle every aspect of your case, from medical appointments to appeals. You focus on healing while we fight for fair compensation.
Local Knowledge
We understand Virginia workers’ compensation law, local medical providers, and the tactics used by major healthcare system insurers in our state.
Take Action Today – Your Recovery Depends on It
If you’ve been injured while working at any Riverside Healthcare facility, you don’t have to face the complex workers’ compensation system alone. Riverside Healthcare has people protecting its interests from day one – shouldn’t you?
Free Consultation – No Obligation
Contact Corey Pollard Law today for a completely free, no-obligation consultation about your workplace injury. You have nothing to lose, and a lot to gain.
Call Now: 757-810-5614
Email: corey@coreypollard.com
Office Address: 611 Industrial Park Dr d, Newport News, VA 23608
Remember: Time is critical in workers’ compensation cases. The sooner you act, the sooner we can prosecute and resovle your claim.
Contact Corey Pollard Law today. Your health, your family’s financial security, and your future depend on the decisions you make right now.
Corey Pollard Law represents injured workers throughout Virginia. This website provides general information about Virginia workers’ compensation law. You should not construe the information as specific legal advice for your situation. The outcome of your case will depend on the particular facts and circumstances involved. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
