A hand injury can result in the need for extensive medical care and lost time from work. If the injury was work-related, it is compensable by Georgia workers’ compensation.
Unfortunately, many workers have difficulty obtaining all of the benefits they are owed. It often takes the help of an experienced attorney to make a full recovery.
Causes of hand injuries
Hand injuries are common in many types of jobs, including manufacturing, construction and data entry. Any worker can suffer an injury when they use their hands to protect themselves during a fall or other accident.
However it happens, a hand injury can have a lasting effect on your life:
- A cut or puncture can require stitches and may cause permanent damage to nerves or tendons.
- Repetitive stress injuries can affect your ability to perform tasks on or off the job.
- Chemical exposure can cause rashes and increased sensitivity.
- Burn injuries can result in permanent disfiguration and loss of skin flexibility.
- Fractures may take months to heal—and may result in loss of dexterity.
- Loss of a hand is devastating both physically and emotionally.
To ensure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are due, it’s important to report a hand injury to your employer as soon as possible.
Preventing hand injuries
Taking the time to prevent an injury can save you from a long and painful recovery process. Here are some tips:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands when handling chemicals or other objects that can cause injury.
- Remove rings and bracelets when working with equipment.
- Ask your employer to place guards on equipment that can pinch or crush a hand.
If you suffer a serious injury, contact a reputable lawyer to learn more about workers’ compensation and other legal options that may be available to you.