What Are the Hidden Dangers of Working as a Radiologic or MRI Technologist?
Injured at work? An experienced New York workers’ comp lawyer can fight for your rights
You know your job isn’t easy. As a radiologic or MRI technologist, you spend long hours on your feet, lifting patients, adjusting heavy equipment, and positioning yourself at awkward angles to get the perfect scan. You deal with anxious patients, fast-paced demands, and strict protocols.
But beyond the daily stress, your work carries serious health risks that many outside the profession don’t fully understand. From radiation exposure to musculoskeletal injuries, your career demands both physical and mental endurance.
You take care of patients, but who takes care of you when an injury forces you off the job? Read on to learn about the real hazards of your profession, what happens when you get hurt, and how you can seek workers’ compensation benefits while you recover.
How does radiation exposure affect your health?
No matter how careful you are, exposure to radiation is unavoidable for many radiologic and MRI technologists. Over time, even low doses of ionizing radiation can add up and increase the risk of cancer, cataracts, and other long-term health effects.
Prolonged radiation exposure can lead to thyroid issues, leukemia, and breast cancer. The risks may seem distant now, but years of daily exposure can take a toll. Radiation safety measures can help, but accidents happen.
Why are musculoskeletal injuries so common in your field?
If you work as a radiologic or MRI technologist, you’re likely no stranger to back pain. Lifting and positioning patients (especially those with limited mobility) puts enormous strain on your body. Many technologists develop chronic pain in their lower back, shoulders, and neck.
Additionally, if you maneuver portable imaging machines, push stretchers, and stay in uncomfortable positions to get the right angle, repetitive motion injuries can set in over time. This can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs, and joint damage. One day, it’s just soreness. The next, you’re struggling to lift your arm or bend over without sharp pain.
What infection risks do radiologic and MRI technologists face?
If you work in hospitals, imaging centers, and emergency rooms, you’re likely around many sick and injured people. Your job requires close patient contact, which increases the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. A single sneeze, an unnoticed blood droplet, or a contaminated surface can transmit illnesses like tuberculosis, hepatitis, or even COVID-19.
MRI and X-ray rooms should be cleaned regularly, but not every facility follows strict protocols. If your employer fails to provide proper personal protective equipment or neglects infection control measures, they put you at risk.
How does stress impact your job and health?
The radiologic or MRI technologist work environment is often high-pressure. You’re expected to be fast, accurate, and compassionate all at once. You deal with scared patients, urgent imaging requests, and overbooked schedules.
On top of that, many facilities run understaffed, forcing you to work longer shifts with fewer breaks. Burnout isn’t just a possibility – it’s almost a guarantee if conditions don’t improve.
Stress can cause physical symptoms, from migraines to high blood pressure. Many technologists suffer from anxiety and depression, but few speak openly about it.
What happens if I’m injured at a radiologic or MRI technologist job?
One wrong move could result in a slipped disc, a sharp pain in your wrist, or a sudden illness – leaving you unable to work. What now? Workers’ compensation should cover your medical expenses and lost wages, but the process isn’t always smooth.
Insurance companies often try to keep their costs down by blaming injuries on pre-existing conditions or claiming they weren’t work-related. Some employers make it difficult for injured workers to file claims, fearing higher insurance premiums. Others push you to return before you’re fully healed.
You might assume that because you followed the proper steps, you’ll be taken care of. But many technologists find their claims delayed, denied, or undervalued. Without legal support, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for treatment and struggling financially while out of work.
Why do workers’ compensation claims get denied?
Even legitimate claims get denied. Why? Employers and insurance companies look for reasons to reject cases or reduce benefits. Some common reasons include:
- Delayed reporting: If you don’t report your injury immediately, insurers may argue it didn’t happen at work.
- Lack of medical evidence: Without strong documentation from a doctor, insurers might dispute the severity or cause of your injury.
- Pre-existing conditions: If you had prior back pain or joint issues, insurers may claim your job didn’t cause your injury.
- Employer disputes: If your employer claims the injury happened outside of work, your case becomes an uphill battle.
When you’re injured, you need to document everything. That includes what happened, who witnessed it, and what your doctor says. And if your claim is denied? You don’t have to accept it. Appeals exist, and a New York workers’ compensation lawyer can fight for the benefits you deserve.
How can a New York workers’ compensation lawyer help?
Filing a claim might seem straightforward, but the reality is often frustrating. An experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyer makes sure you don’t get pushed aside or shortchanged. A lawyer can help by:
- Filing paperwork correctly and ensuring you meet deadlines.
- Fighting denied claims by gathering medical evidence and witness statements to strengthen your case.
- Pushing for full coverage of medical expenses, lost wages, and potential long-term disability benefits.
- Protecting you from retaliation if your employer pressures you to return too soon or threatens your job.
How do I file a New York workers’ comp claim if I’m hurt at work?
If you suffer a work-related injury, take these steps immediately:
- Report the injury: Notify your supervisor and file an incident report. Include all details, such as the nature of your condition, what caused it, and when it happened.
- Seek medical attention: Get a professional evaluation, even if the injury seems minor. Let your doctor know that your injury was work-related.
- Document everything: Write down what happened, get witness names, and keep all medical records.
- File a workers’ comp claim: Submit your claim as soon as possible by completing Form C-3. This can be a complicated process, but an experienced New York workers’ comp lawyer can help ensure your application process is complete and error-free.
- Get legal help ASAP: Having a New York workers’ comp lawyer on your side increases your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. And if your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued, an attorney can push back against the decision.
Our New York workers’ comp lawyers are committed to helping you get maximum compensation
You dedicate your career to helping others, but when you get hurt, will the system help you? Don’t wait until it’s too late to understand your rights. If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t let the stress of paperwork, denials, or employer pressure keep you from getting the support you deserve. Workers’ compensation exists for a reason, to make sure it works for you.
That’s why the New York workers’ compensation lawyers at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP are committed to helping injured workers get maximum compensation while they recover. With over 90 years of experience, we know all the ins and outs of New York workers’ comp law and how the insurance companies work.
We have several law offices in NYC and throughout New York State. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you can schedule a free consultation by contacting us online. You can also call or visit one of our New York offices to speak to an attorney directly.
“Professional, timely responses, very good experience so far!! Paralegals very knowledgeable too.” – A.S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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