Most of us rely on our hands to get work done regardless of the kind of work we do. That is why hand injuries are common in the workplace. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than a million workers visit the hospital every year due to hand injuries. There are various things that could cause hand injuries, from fall accidents to guarded machines, overuse, and burn injuries. Regardless of the cause of your hand injuries, you may be entitled to some form of compensation depending on the degree of damage.

Whatever your occupation is, if you have sustained hand injuries at work, you need to hire an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights. Our lawyers at The Workers Compensation Lawyer Law Firm are dedicated to helping you obtain maximum compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other benefits that you may be eligible for. Get in touch with us if you have been injured in your workplace in Los Angeles.

The Employers Role in Protecting Workers from Hand Injuries

At times, hand injuries occur even when an employer or employee has taken the necessary precautions to stay safe. However, there are hand injuries that occur from a disregard for safety precautions. Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that 70% of workers who sustained hand injuries at their workplace were not wearing protective gloves at the time of the accident. The other 30% were not wearing the appropriate gloves for their type of work.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide the correct and relevant hand protection to their employees depending on the type of work they engage in. More so, employers are expected to provide extra protection to their employees when they are exposed to:

  • Sharp objects
  • Severe cuts, abrasions, and lacerations
  • Punctures
  • Extreme harmful temperatures
  • Harmful substances that are likely to be absorbed into the skin
  • Thermal or chemical burns

Types of Hand Injuries

Cuts and lacerations are some of the most common types of hand injuries sustained at the workplace. These kinds of injuries require little to no treatment and the recovery time is also very minimal. However, workers may sometimes suffer repetitive injuries that are severe and disabling. These severe hand injuries may require time off from work or even surgeries. If you sustain these injuries, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Here are some of the most common types of hand injuries:

  1.  Broken and Fractured Bones

If you sustain fractures and broken bones from your workplace, you are entitled to compensation under the California Workers’ Compensation Act. Workers in manual labor industries like construction are at a higher risk of sustaining these types of injuries. Regardless of your occupation, if you have sustained fractured or broken hand bone, the workers’ Compensation Lawyer Law Firm in California can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Workers at Risk

A person working in any industry may be involved in an accident that may cause fractured or broken bones. But, some workers are at a greater risk than others due to their work environment and the inherent duties. They include:

  • Warehouse workers
  • Restaurant workers
  • Office workers
  • Healthcare workers
  • Drivers
  • Construction workers

Common Types of Bone Fractures

Fractures vary in severity, type, location, and size. If you sustained a bone fracture at your workplace, the amount of compensation you will receive depends on the above factors. Here are some of the common types of one fracture:

  • Comminuted —The hand bone cracks into pieces
  • Closed — The fracture has no open wound
  • Avulsion — A part of the bone attached to a ligament or tendon is pulled apart from the other part of the bone.
  • Fissure — The bone tears, but it does not break
  • Depressed — The cranial bone crushes towards the brain
  • Compound — Other injuries that are caused by a broken bone like pierced organs
  • Linear — A fracture that stretches parallel to the length of the bone
  • Impacted — Several parts of the bone are pushed into each other
  • Greenstick — One part of the bone bends, and the other part breaks
  • Stress — Small cracks on the bone, which is mainly caused by hand overuse
  • Stable — A minor type of fracture that causes no displacement or damage
  • Open — Fractured bone pierces the skin

What are the Causes of Broken Hand Bones?

There are various ways that workers break their hand bones. Some of these ways include:

  • Fall, trip, and slip accidents — these accidents are among the most common causes of broken hand bones at workplaces
  • Motor vehicle accidents — Truck and delivery drivers and others whose work involves driving are at a higher risk of getting involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustaining broken hand bones
  • Heavy equipment — Unguarded parts, poorly maintained equipment, and rollovers can cause broken hand bones at the workplace
  • Falling object — construction workers are at risk of being struck by falling objects and sustaining broken hand bones
  • Caught in between / crushed accidents — Workers are likely to sustain broken hand bones when crushed or caught between equipment

Treatment Methods

To diagnose broken hand bones, you have to visit a radiologist who will examine you through an x-ray. Treatment for broken hand bones varies depending on where and how they occurred. Some of the most common treatment options are:

  • Surgery
  • Immobilization
  • Casts
  • Braces

Valuation of a Fracture/Broken Hand Bone Claim

To be eligible for compensation, you are supposed to report your hand injury to your employer within 120 days. If your employer accepts the claim, you will receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other relevant benefits.

The amount you will receive as compensation if you break your hand bone at work depends on various factors like the severity of the injury. Depending on this factor, you may receive temporary or permanent disability benefits. Other factors include the type of treatment you will need, the period you will be away from work due to the injury, and any rehabilitation required. Contact a skilled workers’ compensation attorney for guidance if you have suffered a fractured or broken bone at your place of work.

  1.  Cuts and Lacerations

These are common types of hand injuries sustained at workplaces. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be eligible for compensation. A lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve and offer relevant guidance if you have suffered cuts and lacerations on your hands while at work.

Are Lacerations and Cuts the Same? 

Lacerations and cuts are both injuries that occur to the skin, but lacerations are usually more severe and more profound into the skin. These injuries are mainly caused by sharp metal blades, knives, or glass. Lacerations require more serious wound care, while cuts can be treated with first aid and immediately heal. A laceration takes up to two weeks to completely heal.

Causes of Laceration and Cut Hand Injuries at Workplace

Workers in almost all departments are at risk of sustaining cuts and lacerations. However, according to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), workers at the poultry processing industries suffer hand cuts and lacerations more compared to other industries. Here are some of the significant causes of hand lacerations and cuts:

  • Unsheathed knives
  • Unguarded machinery
  • Poor housekeeping
  • Non-ergonomic workplace design
  • Lack of training
  • Lack of PPE (personal protective equipment)
  • Dull blades

Possible Consequences of Serious Hand Lacerations

Some lacerations affect the extremities and leave no visible marks on the affected area, while others leave permanent marks. Deep hand lacerations can affect the muscles and tendons and even reach the bone. No matter how minor a laceration may appear, it is essential to ensure that you get the proper treatment to avoid potential secondary infections. Here are some consequences of severe lacerations:

  • Infection — Wounds that are left untreated or do not get the correct treatment can be infected. A minor laceration on the hand can turn into a life-threatening condition if they get infected.
  • Disfigurement — If you suffer a laceration, it may leave permanent scars on your skin. You may also be required to undergo surgery to reduce permanent disfigurement.
  • Amputation — If you suffered a very deep laceration, you might be required to undergo an amputation due to severe infections and poor circulation.

How to Avoid Lacerations and Cuts at Workplace

Implementing safe practices at work can help avoid cuts and lacerations. Both the employer and the employee should take the necessary precautions to avoid cuts and lacerations. These precautions may include:

  • Wearing the correct PPE
  • Using the correct tools for the job
  • Sharpening dull blades
  • Replacing worn-out equipment
  • Ensuring machines are guarded
  • Maintaining a clean workspace
  • Have enough lighting
  • Cutting away from your body

Compensation for Hand Lacerations and Cuts at Workplace

Workers’ compensation laws vary by state, so it is advisable to seek guidance from a local law firm. In California, most employees are eligible for a workers’ compensation benefit for any injury suffered at the workplace. But, they have to report the injuries to their employers within 120 days to remain eligible. If you suffered hand cuts and lacerations at your workplace, you are entitled to all your medical expenses and any missed work over a week.

If you have sustained severe injuries like disfigurements and amputations, you will also receive additional specific loss benefits. To ensure you get total compensation for all your injuries, talk to our lawyers for relevant guidance and help. 

  1. Workplace Hand Burn Injuries

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration, every year, more than five thousand workers report to the emergency hospital department due to burn injuries at the workplace, and more than 200 die of the same. Urn injuries can be severe, and you may require surgery and physical therapy as part of your recovery journey.

If you sustained burn injuries at your place of work, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits depending on the severity of the injuries.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

There are five most common burn injuries that different workers sustain depending on the type of workplace, the equipment used, and the job duties. They include:

  • Cryogenic — This type of burn injury mainly affects workers who work under low temperatures and handle low-temperature substances. They are also known as cold burns, and they are mainly caused by liquefied gasses used as coolants in engines and refrigerators like liquefied nitrogen.

If your underlying tissues and skin freeze due to the low temperature, this condition is known as frostbite. It is a severe condition that may require amputation or lead to hypothermia.

  • Chemical — Caustic or chemical burns occur when synthetic corrosive substances come into contact with lungs, ears, or eyes. Employees who come into contact with dangerous substances like gasoline, drain cleaners, and paint thinners are at a high risk of suffering chemical burns. The signs and symptoms of this injury include dizziness, loss of vision, headache, redness or blackened skin, and pain in the affected area.
  • Thermal — This type of burn injury is caused by hot objects, explosions, or hot liquids. Employees at the foodservice industry and industrial plant sustain more thermal burns compared to other sectors. Thermal burns can be minor or profound depending on the skin layers that were injured.
  • Radiological — Exposure to radiation sources like radioactive materials, x-rays, radio waves, and sun are the main causes of radiological burns. This type of burn injury is more severe since it can affect the cell structure of the body and lead to cancer. The severity of the burns depends on the period the employee was exposed to and the type of radiation they were exposed to.
  • Electrical — Electrical burns are mainly caused by electrical currents traveling through the body. This type of burn is the hardest to treat since it only causes internal injuries. Construction workers and electricians are at a higher risk of sustaining electrical burns than workers in other fields.

Benefits for Disfigurement

 In California, workers who suffer disfigurement from a burn injury sustained from work, are entitled to specific loss benefits. However, this is only for those who sustain disfigurement on their neck, face, head, or lose a specific body part or limbs.

You may be entitled to many weeks of specific loss benefits on top of your general workers’ compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries. Our lawyers can help you determine the kind of compensation you are entitled to if you are unsure. Give us a call, and we will gladly help you.

Third-party Claims

If another person other than your employer caused your burn injuries, you might file a personal injury lawsuit to receive additional benefits from the third party. Some of these third parties may include suppliers, vendors, negligent subcontractors, or defective equipment. You must file the third-party claims within two years for you to be eligible.

  1.   Carpal Tunnel Hand Syndrome

This type of injury is mainly caused by computer usage and typing. Workers who spend most of their time on computers are at a higher risk of developing CTS than those in other professions. CTS can also develop on those whose jobs include similar repetitive motions. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you have developed a carpal tunnel.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that is found on the palm side of the wrist. The main work of this tunnel is to protect the nine tendons responsible for bending fingers and the main hand nerve. When this nerve is compressed or pinched, you will likely lose strength and feeling in your hand. This condition is what is referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are various things that could cause this condition, but the main cause is repeated stress on the nerves and wrist. You can also develop carpal tunnel syndrome if you:

  • Fall on your wrist
  • Spend much time typing
  • Exposed to tools vibrations
  • Work on an assembly line
  • Spend a lot of time scanning items repeatedly
  • Fracture or break your thumb or wrist

If you develop a CTS, you are also likely to develop a cubital tunnel syndrome since they affect the same nerves. The common symptoms for cubital tunnel syndrome are pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand.

What you Need to Know Before Claiming Benefits

Some outside factors like inflammation can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Meaning you may develop CTS regardless of the nature of your job if you have a chronic inflammatory condition. If you apply for claim benefits and your CTS condition is not a result of your work, your claims will be denied. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor evaluate the cause of your condition before filing for a claim. You can also reach out to an experienced attorney to help you apply for your claim and guide you accordingly.

  1.  Caught-in-between Accidents

Workers who operate heavy machinery, industrial workers, factory workers, and construction workers are at great risk of experiencing caught-in-between injuries. This type of injury is among the “fatal four,” causing at least four percent of construction worker’s death.

If you have been involved in a caught-in-between accident, our attorneys at The Workers Compensation Lawyer Law Firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Caught in Between Accidents

The major cause of in-between accidents in the workplace include:

  • Poorly maintained equipment — Employers should ensure that all equipment is properly and regularly maintained to avoid accidents. Accidents are likely to occur when employers fail to maintain a safe working environment for the employees.
  • Equipment rollovers — Employees who work using heavy machines, tractors, rollers, and forklifts are at a high risk of experiencing caught-in-between accidents compared to those in other industries. Workers may suffer severe injuries if seatbelts are not used or rollover protective structures are not implemented.
  • Trenching and excavation — According to OSHA, most caught in-between accidents are caused when trench collapses. Other accidents related to trenching and excavation include hazardous atmosphere, falling loads, and cave-ins.
  • Rotating equipment — Turbines, pumps, engines, and other compressors can be dangerous to workers who fail to take proper precautions. Loose hair, jewelry, and clothing may be caught in the machine and make workers sustain serious injuries.
  • Rigging accidents — Poor rigging or loading can expose employees to fatal hazards. Employers need to ensure that they maintain a safe working environment for riggers.

Types of Caught in Between Injuries

The severity of these injuries depends on the circumstances surrounding the case and the equipment used. Here are some of the common types of caught in between injuries:

  • Scalping
  • Paralysis
  • Neck injuries
  • Muscle tears, sprains, and strains
  • Lacerations
  • Internal organ damage
  • Fractures
  • Degloving injuries
  • Bruising
  • Amputation
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Tissue damage
  • Spinal cord injuries

Prevention for Caught-in-between Accidents

If employers provide their employees with a healthy and safe working environment, most caught in-between accidents can be prevented. Here are ways in which employers can help prevent caught in-between accidents:

  • Protecting employees from collapsing walls
  • Training workers on accident prevention and potential hazards
  • Following tag out procedures
  • Ensuring that all equipment is supported and well secured
  • Providing employees with appropriate PPE

Obtaining Compensation for Caught-in-between Accidents

If you are injured in an in-between accident, you may be entitled to compensation under the California workers’ compensation act. Some of the compensation you are likely to receive include medical expenses, death benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and lost wages.

If a third party caused your injuries, you might also be eligible for a third party claim. You may file a personal injury claim and receive additional compensation for any pain and suffering caused by a third party.

Find a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Near Me

If you injured your hand or wrist at work, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation regardless of your occupation. Our Los Angeles workers compensation attorneys at The Workers Compensation Lawyer Law Firm can help you assess the injuries and discuss the benefits you may be entitled to. We can also help you file an appeal with the Industrial Accidents Department if your compensation claim has been reduced or denied. Call us today at 424-501-9228 for a free consultation.