Hand injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, affecting workers across various industries in Missouri. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and amputations, leading to significant pain, disability, and financial strain.
As a Missouri workers compensation attorney we understand the complexities surrounding hand injuries and how they impact workers’ lives.
Let’s delve into the different types of hand injuries, their causes, and the importance of Missouri Workers Compensation in providing support to those affected.
Hand injuries are based on 175 weeks of wages. Individual fingers are compensated at much less. If you’ve had a major hand injury that is affecting your grip it is important to hire a Missouri Work Comp lawyer to try to maximize your benefits.
Our office has been very successful convincing Missouri work comp judges that the injury should be based on an injury to the whole hand and not just a finger, giving our clients many times what the employer claimed and resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional compensation over the years.
It’s important to hire a Missouri Work comp lawyer early in the process.
Types of Hand Injuries
Hand injuries encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options.
Some common types of hand injuries include:
Cuts and Lacerations
These injuries often occur when workers come into contact with sharp objects or machinery in the workplace. Depending on the severity, cuts and lacerations may require stitches or surgical intervention to repair damaged tissue.
Fractures and Dislocations
Impact injuries or crush accidents can lead to fractures or dislocations in the bones of the hand. These injuries can cause significant pain and limited mobility, requiring immobilization and rehabilitation to promote healing.
Tendon and Ligament Damage
The tendons and ligaments in the hand are crucial for movement and stability. Injuries such as tendonitis or ligament tears can result from overuse, repetitive motion, or sudden trauma, leading to weakness and difficulty performing tasks.
Crush Injuries
Workers in industries like construction and manufacturing are at risk of crush injuries, which occur when the hand is compressed between two objects. These injuries can cause soft tissue damage, nerve compression, and even loss of function in severe cases.
Causes of Hand Injuries
Hand injuries can occur in any workplace environment, but certain factors increase the risk for workers.
Some common causes of hand injuries include:
Machinery Accidents
Workers operating heavy machinery or equipment are susceptible to hand injuries if proper safety protocols are not followed. Entanglement, crushing, or being struck by moving parts can result in serious harm.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet or slippery surfaces in the workplace pose a hazard for employees, increasing the likelihood of falls that can lead to hand injuries upon impact with hard surfaces or objects.
Repetitive Motion
Jobs that involve repetitive tasks, such as assembly line work or typing, can cause overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, affecting the hands and wrists.
Hazardous Substances
Exposure to chemicals, acids, or solvents in the workplace can cause skin irritation, burns, or allergic reactions, potentially leading to hand injuries if proper protective measures are not in place.
Importance of Missouri Workers Compensation
Missouri Workers Compensation laws are designed to provide financial assistance and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries, including hand injuries.
As a workers compensation attorney, we advocate for the rights of injured workers and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Under Missouri statute, the value of a hand injury is typically calculated based on the extent of disability and the worker’s average weekly wage.
The Missouri Workers Compensation system recognizes the unique value of hands in the context of employment and daily activities.
According to Missouri statute, the loss of use of a hand is based on a percentage of 175 weeks of wages, reflecting the significant impact such an injury can have on an individual’s ability to work and perform essential tasks.
This compensation helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and vocational training to assist injured workers in returning to the workforce.
As a workers compensation attorney in Missouri, we navigate the complexities of the claims process and advocate for fair treatment on behalf of injured workers. This may involve gathering medical evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in administrative hearings or appeals if their claims are denied.
By providing knowledgeable guidance and legal support, your attorney can help injured workers secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives and move forward after a hand injury.
Hand injuries are a significant concern for workers in Missouri, impacting their health, livelihoods, and quality of life. As a workers compensation attorney, understanding the various types of hand injuries, their causes, and the intricacies of Missouri’s compensation laws is essential for advocating on behalf of injured workers.
By providing compassionate support and legal expertise, attorneys can help ensure that individuals receive the compensation and resources they need to recover from hand injuries and regain their independence in the workplace.
If you or a loved one has suffered a hand injury in the workplace, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance.
If a Missouri Workers Compensation hand injury does occur, prompt medical attention and rehabilitation are essential for a full recovery. Remember, prevention is key to staying healthy and injury-free in the workplace.
Don’t try taking on the insurance companies alone. Call The Krebs Law Firm for a free consultation. You need an experienced workers compensation attorney at your side to make sure you get what you deserve for your workplace injury. Call The Krebs Law Firm Springfield office at (417) 883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
There is no upfront cost to hiring a Missouri Workers Compensation attorney for your claim. If have a potential Missouri work comp case and want to make sure you maximize your Missouri Workers Compensation benefits for your workplace injury, then you should speak to an experienced Missouri Workers Compensation attorney sooner rather than later.
Utilize our years of expertise to get the compensation you deserve and let us help each step of the way.