A home health aide was working an assigned shift at a patient's apartment in Long Island City, Queens. As part of the patient's daily care, the aide went into the kitchen to prepare a meal. While opening a can, the sharp metal lid slipped and cut deeply into the aide's hand.
At first, the aide thought the injury might be something that could simply be bandaged and finished the shift. However, the bleeding continued and movement of the injured finger became painful. The aide reported what happened to the home care agency and sought medical attention.
The medical record documented that the accident occurred while the aide was preparing food for a patient during an assigned work shift. The aide also needed to explain how the hand injury affected normal job duties, including meal preparation, cleaning, assisting the patient and safely gripping or lifting objects.
The situation illustrates why home health aides should report even seemingly straightforward accidents. A cut that happens while performing an assigned patient-care task can raise workers’ compensation issues when medical treatment, work restrictions or lost time become necessary.
This is a realistic hypothetical scenario illustrating issues that can arise in a New York workers’ compensation claim and is not presented as the result of a specific client matter.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
If the accident occurred while the home health aide was performing job duties, such as preparing food for a patient, the injury may qualify for New York workers' compensation benefits.
Home health aides commonly work inside patients' homes. An injury does not have to happen inside an office, hospital or other traditional workplace to potentially qualify as a work-related injury.
Yes. Report a workplace accident promptly. Hand and finger cuts can sometimes involve infection, nerve damage, tendon injuries, loss of sensation or reduced movement that may not be obvious immediately.
Tell the medical provider that the injury occurred while you were working and explain exactly how it happened. Keep records of the treatment and any work restrictions given by your medical provider.
Tell your treating medical provider which job duties are difficult or unsafe because of the injury. Any medical restrictions should be documented so there is a clear record of what you can and cannot do while recovering.
Workers' compensation is generally different from a negligence lawsuit. An injured worker should not assume that making a mistake while performing a job task automatically eliminates the possibility of workers' compensation coverage.
Yes. Cass & Peters offers free consultations to injured workers. Call (844) 591-3400 to discuss what happened and learn about your options.
| Issue | What to Document | Why It Matters | Possible Workers' Comp Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut or laceration | How, where and when the cut happened | Connects the accident to the work assignment | Medical treatment |
| Stitches | Emergency room or medical records | Documents the seriousness of the wound | Treatment and follow-up care |
| Finger or hand weakness | Grip, movement and work limitations | Shows how the injury affects job duties | Restrictions or disability |
| Numbness or loss of sensation | Symptoms reported to the treating provider | May indicate a more significant hand injury | Additional evaluation or treatment |
| Missed work | Dates missed and medical restrictions | Creates a record of disability from work | Potential wage benefits |
For more, see our guides to workers' compensation claims in Long Island City, Queens and NYC workers' compensation claims and free consultations.
A home health aide can be injured doing something as ordinary as opening a can for a patient's lunch. What matters is that you were doing your job when the accident happened.
If you cut your hand or finger while caring for a patient in Long Island City, report the accident, get appropriate medical care and make sure the circumstances of the injury are documented. Do not dismiss ongoing pain, numbness, weakness or limited movement simply because the accident originally looked minor.
Cass & Peters represents home health aides and other injured workers throughout Long Island City, Queens and New York City. We can discuss how the accident occurred, your medical treatment, whether you are missing work and any problems you are having with your employer or workers' compensation insurance carrier.
Call (844) 591-3400 for a free consultation. Five minutes could change your life.
Si trabaja como asistente de salud en el hogar en Long Island City, Queens, y se cortó la mano o un dedo mientras abría una lata o preparaba comida para un paciente, la lesión puede estar relacionada con su trabajo. Reporte el accidente a su empleador o agencia, obtenga atención médica y explique al médico que ocurrió mientras trabajaba. Cass & Peters representa a trabajadores lesionados en Queens y en toda la ciudad de Nueva York. Llame al (844) 591-3400 para una consulta gratuita.
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