Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | September 7, 2017
Every year, thousands of workers sustain serious injuries on the job. While some of these injuries involve muscle strains and broken bones, others are much more severe and tragically result in amputation. Corrective surgery sometimes can be used to reattach a limb or provide a prosthesis, but this is not always possible, and some victims may be left permanently disabled for the rest of their lives.
Although nothing can replace the loss of a limb, Georgia’s workers’ compensation program can ensure that injured employees receive the medical care they need as well as coverage for lost wages. Unfortunately, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult and time-consuming, which can wreak havoc on an injured party’s finances.
So, if you were injured in a workplace accident in Atlanta, it is critical that you retain an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will aggressively represent your interests in negotiations or the courtroom.
At-Risk Occupations
Although many industries have dangerous jobs that can result in injury, amputations are more likely to occur in particular types of employment. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that as many as one-half of all amputation injuries occur in the manufacturing industry. Employees who work with heavy equipment and machinery are especially at risk of suffering this type of injury. Examples of the most dangerous types of machinery include:
- Mechanical power presses
- Powered and nonpowered conveyors
- Milling machines
- Food presses
- Food slicers
- Meat grinders
Heavy machinery poses an especially grave risk because not only is normal operation dangerous, but employees also face hazards during setup, preparation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair. Fortunately, amputation injuries can be avoided by instituting proper safeguards, such as providing physical barriers that do not obstruct the machine operator’s view, implementing certain work practices, providing employee safety training, and creating administrative controls.
Symptoms and Complications
Amputations often require corrective surgery, but even when these procedures are successful, injured parties may suffer from limited function and mobility. Unfortunately, victims of amputation are also more likely to suffer from the following health problems:
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Phantom pain
- Heart complications
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Treating these related conditions can quickly overwhelm an injured employee’s finances, which makes it especially important that he or she files a workers’ compensation claim. In Georgia, the workers’ compensation program provides amputation victims with the following benefits:
- Coverage of past and future medical expenses
- Up to two-thirds of their weekly wages
- Ongoing disability payments
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Vocational training
- Prosthetics and other necessary medical equipment
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney From Hasner Law PC
Amputation injuries can change a worker’s life forever, making it difficult, if not impossible, to secure employment and cover medical expenses. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, please call an experienced and compassionate Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney who can evaluate your case. We are prepared to help you throughout each step of the process.
For more information, please contact the Atlanta workers’ compensation law firm of 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
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
