Compensation For Hand Injury At Work
An injury to the hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder can be devastating, even if it is just on one side. Trying to do anything with one arm or one hand can be difficult if you are not accustomed to living that way. This is especially true when your job relies on you to use both of your arms. If you can’t, you can’t do your job.
If the injury occurred at the workplace, the good news is that you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To receive help with this process, a qualified Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer is going to be a great asset in your case.
Types Of Hand, Wrist, Arm, and Shoulder Injuries
Every part of your arm is susceptible to injury in one way or the other. Here are some common injuries that occur:
- Broken arm
- Broken or fractured elbow
- Shoulder impingement
- Broken scapula
- Shoulder separation
- Labral tear
- Ulnar nerve injury
- Ulna radial fracture
- Broken hand
- Broken fingers
- Amputation
Some of these are issues that can lead to one or more surgeries and the surgeries themselves can require extensive recovery time. Surgeries are also expensive, which is why workers’ compensation claim is necessary in case of hand injury at work.
Injury Causes
Hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder injuries can be caused by a number of situations. One of the most common is a work area that is not properly maintained. Perhaps a co-worker left an obstacle on the floor, causing a trip and fall accident. If the floor was wet and there was not a “wet floor’ sign to warn of the hazard, a slip and fall accident can result. Falling objects are also common. A person’s first instinct is to use their hands and arms to protect their head and face when something is falling. The size and weight of the object will determine the severity of the injury.
Accidents with machinery also occur. A person’s arm can become trapped or struck by a piece of machinery and this can result in lifelong disability. But no matter the scenario, the injury is there and there is a recovery period. Sometimes the injury can be permanent, but the goal of your hand injury workers’ compensation attorney is to make sure you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need to pay your bills and receive the medical treatment you need. If your injury causes you to never be able to perform a certain type of job again, then vocational rehabilitation is also a part of the program so that you can work in an industry that will accommodate the injury.
Contact A Minnesota Compensation Attorney
If you have sustained an injury to your hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder at the workplace and now you are unable to perform your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To find out if you do qualify, Russell G. Sundquist will meet with you to discuss your case. Call the Twin Cities office at 651-228-1881 or the Hibbing office at 800-457-4811 to schedule your free consultation and learn about your rights and options.