Heart Attacks at Work
Experiencing a heart attack at work is both frightening and life-altering. If this happens to you or a loved one, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps to take to ensure you receive the financial support necessary to get back on your feet. At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to helping you navigate this difficult time and secure the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience recovering fair benefit awards on behalf of workers across all industries and look forward to discussing how we can help with your claim.
Statistics on Workplace Heart Attacks
- According to the American Heart Association, approximately 475,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest each year, with a significant number occurring at work.
- A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that high-stress jobs increase the risk of heart attack by 23%.
- The National Safety Council reports that 70% of American workers experience workplace stress, a major contributing factor to heart attacks.
Types of Industries in South Jersey
South Jersey is home to a diverse range of industries, each presenting unique workplace challenges. Some of the primary industries in this region include:
Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are high-stress environments where employees often face long hours and demanding work. Healthcare workers frequently deal with emergency situations, critically ill patients, and emotionally draining tasks, all of which can contribute to high stress levels.
Construction
Construction workers engage in physically demanding tasks, often under tight deadlines and hazardous conditions. The physical strain, coupled with the pressure to complete projects on time, creates a high-stress work environment.
Manufacturing
Factories and plants require workers to operate heavy machinery and maintain production schedules. The need to meet production targets and the risks associated with machinery can lead to significant stress.
Retail
Retail workers often experience high levels of stress, especially during busy shopping seasons. Handling large volumes of customers, managing inventory, and meeting sales targets can be overwhelming.
Transportation and Logistics
Drivers and warehouse workers face long hours, heavy lifting, and strict delivery schedules. The physical demands and pressure to meet deadlines can increase the risk of stress-induced health issues.
High-Stress Situations in the Workplace
Certain situations and places within these industries can significantly elevate stress levels, making heart attacks more likely. For instance, in healthcare, emergency rooms and intensive care units are fast-paced and unpredictable, leading to high stress. In construction, working on high-risk projects or remote sites far from medical facilities can be particularly stressful. Manufacturing environments that require maintaining high production rates or repairing heavy machinery also contribute to elevated stress levels.
In retail, peak shopping times like Black Friday or holiday seasons can lead to overwhelming stress for employees. Similarly, in transportation and logistics, long hauls and tight schedules can add significant pressure on workers.
Steps to Take After a Heart Attack at Work
If you or a coworker suffers a heart attack at work, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Call 911 Immediately: Seek emergency medical assistance right away to ensure timely treatment.
- Notify Your Employer: Inform your supervisor or manager about the incident as soon as possible.
- Get Medical Treatment: Follow all medical advice and treatment plans provided by healthcare professionals.
- Document the Incident: Keep detailed records of the heart attack, including the time, location, and any contributing factors.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to secure benefits.
Next Legal Steps
After addressing your immediate medical needs, it’s important to consider the legal aspects of your situation.
Can You Sue Your Employer?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for a workplace heart attack. New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws provide a no-fault system, which means you don’t need to prove negligence to receive benefits. However, this also means you typically can’t file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.
Can You Still Get Compensation for Your Injury?
Yes, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits for a heart attack that occurs at work. These benefits can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits if the heart attack results in a temporary or permanent disability.
Do You Have to Prove It Was Due to Work?
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you need to demonstrate that your heart attack was work-related. This involves providing medical records, witness statements, and workplace records that link the heart attack to your job’s stress or conditions.
Underlying Health Conditions and Preexisting Diseases
Preexisting health conditions can complicate workers’ compensation claims for heart attacks. However, you can still receive benefits if your job aggravated or contributed to your condition. For instance, if your job’s stress levels significantly raised your blood pressure or worsened an existing condition like diabetes, leading to a heart attack, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Speak with a Dedicated NJ Workers’ Compensation Attorney with Petrillo & Goldberg Law Today
Suffering a heart attack at work can be a life-changing experience. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps can make all the difference. At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, we are dedicated to helping you through this challenging time. If you’ve experienced a heart attack at work, contact us today for a consultation. Our team is ready to listen to your story and provide the assistance you need. You can reach us at 856-486-4343 or through our secure online contact form.
