How Understaffing Increases Workers’ Compensation Claims in California Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare employees in California play a vital role in keeping communities safe and healthy, but many face daily challenges that put them at risk of injury. One of the most pressing issues in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics is the shortage of staff. When there are not enough workers to handle patient needs, the burden on existing staff increases significantly.

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier workers’ compensation attorneys have observed how chronic understaffing in healthcare facilities contributes to a higher incidence of workplace injuries and, consequently, an increase in workers’ compensation claims.

The Strain of Understaffing on Healthcare Workers

Healthcare professionals are already working in demanding environments that require physical, mental, and emotional strength. When facilities fail to provide adequate staffing levels, employees are often required to take on additional duties, work longer shifts, and carry heavier workloads. This strain increases fatigue, reduces alertness, and increases the likelihood of workplace accidents.

Nurses, nursing assistants, and other caregivers may be forced to lift or transfer patients without proper support, leading to back injuries or musculoskeletal disorders. Overstretched workers are also more prone to slips, trips, and falls because of rushed movements or skipped safety protocols. The more pressure placed on employees to fill staffing gaps, the higher the risk of preventable injuries.

Types of Injuries Linked to Understaffing

Understaffing in healthcare facilities contributes to a wide range of workplace injuries, leading to workers’ compensation claims.

Some of the most common include:

• Lifting and Handling Injuries: Without enough staff to assist with patient care, employees may injure their backs, shoulders, or knees when moving patients.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Workers covering multiple areas may be less likely to notice hazards, increasing the risk of falls.
• Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries: Fatigue and rushed procedures increase the likelihood of accidental punctures and exposures.
• Stress-Related Conditions: Long hours and high pressure can lead to mental health struggles that may qualify as work-related injuries under California law.

These injuries not only harm employees but also reduce the quality of care patients receive.

Why Understaffing Leads to More Claims

When staff members are overextended, they are placed in unsafe situations that make injury nearly inevitable. Once an injury occurs, workers are entitled to pursue benefits through California’s workers’ compensation system. This includes coverage for medical treatment, wage replacement, and, in cases of permanent impairment, disability benefits.

Healthcare facilities that operate with inadequate staffing may face an increase in workers’ compensation claims as more employees suffer injuries. This cycle demonstrates why ensuring safe staffing levels is not just a patient care issue but also a workplace safety concern.

How Hanning & Sacchetto Help Injured Healthcare Employees

At Hanning & Sacchetto, our experienced Whittier workers’ compensation lawyers understand the unique risks faced by healthcare workers. When an employee is injured due to understaffing, we fight to ensure that their claim is taken seriously and that they receive the full benefits available under California law. We help gather medical evidence, challenge unfair claim denials, and hold employers accountable when unsafe practices contribute to worker harm.

Protecting Healthcare Workers in California

Understaffing in healthcare facilities poses a significant risk to both patients and employees. Workers who are injured due to unsafe staffing levels should not hesitate to seek the benefits to which they are entitled. With experienced legal guidance, healthcare employees can protect their rights and focus on recovery.

If you are a healthcare worker who has been injured on the job, contact Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP today at (562) 280-2095 or online. Our Los Angeles County workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to helping employees secure the compensation they deserve.