Risk Alert: Post-Surgery Blood Clots Can Be Fatal

The Fund has seen an uptick in workers’ compensation claims involving member employees who fell on the job, injured themselves, and underwent surgery. The employees ranged from the mid-20s to mid-70s. Each developed post-surgery clots that prevented blood from reaching their lungs and hearts. None survived.  

Intersection of Comorbidities and Claims 

Muscle movement pumps blood to vital organs. Patients are often on bed rest after surgery, and the lack of movement makes them prone to blood clots. The risk increases in patients who have additional conditions called comorbidities. 

One common comorbidity—obesity—was a factor in the claims filed by our members. Other comorbidities include high blood pressure, lung disease, drug abuse, and diabetes.  

The potentially fatal consequences of co-morbidities and blood clots are of course the most compelling reason to manage the risk. A Harbor Health Systems study also suggests workers' compensation claims involving co-morbidities stay open longer and cost more: 

• Claim duration increased 76% for claims involving multiple comorbidities, 67% for claims involving addiction, and 55% for obesity-related claims.  
• Incurred total claim costs increased 341% with multiple comorbidities. 
• Surgery rates increased 123% for claims involving multiple comorbidities and 140% for claims involving obesity. 

Fund Rolls Out Post-Surgery Outreach Initiative 

As part of a new initiative, our registered nurses will contact injured employees after surgery and stress the importance of complying with discharge instructions. That could include taking blood thinners prescribed by their doctor to reduce the risk of clots. We also encourage injured employees to move as much as possible within their medical restrictions and report potential blood clot symptoms immediately.  

The Fund brings 50 years’ experience helping Texas educational entities make their workplaces safer. When injuries do occur, our claims team is here to ensure injured employees receive the support they need during their recovery. Fund members who have questions about our post-surgery outreach initiative should contact their claims adjuster.