Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | November 3, 2017
Many employees are injured at work every year in accidents that result in amputations. Employees working in manufacturing and using heavy equipment are at higher risk. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has found that amputations occur most often among employees who are operating mechanical power presses, conveyors, food presses, milling machines, food slicers, meat grinders, and other hazardous machines. In addition to the routine hazards of operating such machinery, the risk of amputation also is great during setup, preparation, and maintenance of machines.
Negligence by Manufacturers and Employers Can Play a Major Role in Amputation Injuries
Defective machinery and workplace negligence are among the leading causes of on-the-job amputation injuries. Improperly maintained or poorly manufactured heavy machinery often result in employees suffering serious injuries, including amputations.
Furthermore, if an employee improperly uses a machine because of inadequate training or supervision, severe accidental injuries are more likely. Defective manufacturing and poor training can increase the damages a workers’ compensation claim might recover.
Even Under Workers’ Compensation Law, Compensation Due to Injuries Can Vary
Workers’ compensation law in Georgia provides differing levels of compensation depending on the severity of the injury, even among amputation injuries. Compensation for a finger amputation is different from losing an arm, for instance. Under Georgia law, most amputation injuries that occur during the course of work duties are considered catastrophic.
Georgia law considers the amputation of an arm, a hand, a foot, or a leg a catastrophic injury. A worker suffering a catastrophic injury might no longer be able to perform his job—or perhaps even take any other form of employment. Under such circumstances, the employer could be obligated to compensate the employee for his losses. This means that under Georgia law, a worker who has a limb amputated during a workplace accident could qualify for income and medical benefits for an indefinite period of time, potentially for life.
Not every workplace injury claim is the same, even for serious injuries. It might be a mistake to accept what the state workers’ compensation system offers at first. You may have grounds for more compensation, depending on your circumstances. Making that determination may require that you have competent legal counsel.
Contact the Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Hasner Law PC For Help
If you suffer an injury at work in Atlanta that leads to an amputation, you should explore your compensation options. Take advantage of a free case evaluation to determine if an attorney can help maximize your compensation for your injuries. The attorneys at Hasner Law PC can help.
For more information, please contact the worker’s compensation lawyers in Atlanta from Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
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221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
