“Ouch!”
“What happened?”
“It’s nothing. Just tweaked something while helping Mr. Smithers. I’ll be fine. I just started here, and CNAs are easy to replace… I can’t afford to lose this job.”
If you’ve worked in healthcare—especially as a nurse or CNA—you’ve probably witnessed or experienced this kind of conversation countless times. Minor pulls, strains, and aches are often dismissed as “part of the job.” But here’s the truth: what starts as a small injury can turn into a long-term health problem, especially if left untreated.
And worse? Failing to report it could cost you more than your health.
The Reality of Injuries in the Medical Field
Nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other healthcare professionals face some of the highest injury rates in any industry. Constant lifting, repositioning patients, rushing during emergencies, and even slipping in patient rooms—all these put you at daily risk.
Common injuries include:
- Back and spine strains from lifting
- Shoulder and neck injuries
- Knee sprains and contusions
- Slip and fall injuries in wet or cluttered areas
- Overuse injuries from repetitive motion
These injuries might feel minor at first, but can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent damage if ignored.
Why You Must Report Injuries—Immediately
When you don’t report an injury right away, your workers’ compensation claim can be denied. That means:
- You may have to pay for your own medical care
- You may lose out on wage replacement while recovering
- Your injury may go untreated and worsen over time
Under Colorado law, injured workers are entitled to medical treatment and wage loss benefits through workers’ compensation insurance—regardless of fault. More importantly, it is illegal for your employer to fire you simply for filing a claim.
Even if you just started your job, or fear retaliation, remember: You have rights. You do not have to choose between your health and your job.
Why Healthcare Workers Often Hesitate—and Why You Shouldn’t
It’s not uncommon to hesitate. Many CNAs and nurses think:
- “I don’t want to seem like a complainer.”
- “It’ll get better on its own.”
- “They might not believe me.”
- “I’ll lose hours… or my job.”
But failing to act could leave you paying for treatment out of pocket—and potentially dealing with lifelong consequences. The costs of ignoring a strain or soft-tissue injury can be enormous, both medically and financially.
And while your employer may understand that injuries happen, their workers’ compensation insurance administrator may try to minimize claims to lower company insurance costs. This often leads to claims being denied or downplayed, especially when injuries weren’t promptly reported.
You Chose This Profession to Help Others—Now Help Yourself
You became a nurse or CNA because you care deeply for others. But selflessness shouldn’t mean sacrificing your own well-being. Protecting your health is part of your responsibility as a professional, so you can continue to care for your patients safely and effectively.
If you’ve been discouraged from filing a claim—or already suffered an injury and aren’t sure what to do next—you don’t have to go through it alone.
Talk to an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Kaplan Morrell, we’ve helped countless healthcare workers across Colorado secure their rightful medical care, wage replacement, and legal protections after workplace injuries. Call us today at 303-780-7329 for a free consultation
Your job is to care for others. Ours is to protect you.
