Lifeguards have a tough job and often end up getting injured doing their work. If you’re a lifeguard and you get injured on the job you may be able to get workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses, physical therapy, lost wages, and any other expenses that are directly related to the injury that you suffered. Lifeguards, whether working for a private or public pool, are eligible for workers’ compensation if they are injured while working. Common Injuries That Can Happen to Lifeguards Working in a fast paced environment like a pool area where there are lots of people increases the risks that lifeguards face of becoming injured. Some of the most common ways that lifeguards are injured include: You could slip and fall in one of the many wet and slippery areas around the pool or in the showers. Slip and fall injuries can lead to broken bones, back injuries, or even head injuries that can be very serious. If you fall and break your arm, leg, ankle, or other bone workers’ compensation can pay for your medical expenses and pay for your lost wages while you are not able to work due to your injury. Serious head injuries that can result from slip and fall injuries also are covered by workers’ compensation. You could cut yourself on a ladder, diving board, or pool cleaning equipment while you are doing you job. Cuts can be quite serious and need stitches as well as ongoing medical care to prevent scarring or infection. Workers’ compensation can make sure that you don’t get stuck with huge medical bills as a result of a cut suffered at work. You could become sick from germs and bacteria if the pool area or pool tools aren’t sanitized properly. That can mean time when you can’t work and lots of medical care and prescriptions to make sure that you recover. Workers’ compensation can cover all of the costs of your medical care so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for the treatment that you need. What to Do If You Are Hurt on the Job If you are cut or sustain an injury that is serious or life-threatening get medical intervention immediately from emergency services. If your injury isn’t serious or life threatening the first thing that you need to do is let your supervisor know that you were injured and fill out an incident or injury report describing in detail how you were injured. Make sure that are you given a copy of that report because you will need it to file for workers’ compensation. After you let your supervisor know what happened get medical treatment. Hang onto all of your medical bills and documentation of your injury. How a Workers Compensation Attorney Can Help You An attorney that specializes in workers’ compensation can be a great ally that can help you through the confusing process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you get money for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that are related to your injury. To consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page. Additional Resources When Should I Start My Workers' Compensation Claim? Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury
