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Types of Work-Related Amputation Injuries
Traumatic amputation entails the accidental removal of some or all of a particular body part. In some cases, only a partial amputation may occur without the complete removal of a part, but many workers suffer complete amputation.
Amputation injuries can involve lower or upper extremities, as many workers are exposed to the risk of finger, hand, arm, torso, leg, and foot injuries in the workplace, particularly when working with potentially hazardous equipment. In some cases, extreme blood loss could occur, causing death in certain situations.
Amputation injuries can be debilitating in many cases, requiring permanent prosthetics or other assistive devices to help restore the worker’s life to the way it was prior to the injury. Oftentimes, an amputation will result in limited mobility that can make it difficult for the individual to return to work.
Workers’ Comp Settlements for Amputation Injuries
Amputation injuries could require surgery to allow for full recovery, which is costly and requires workers to take time off from work. This loss of wages can make it more difficult to cover medical expenses and rehabilitation. The procedures needed to prevent blood loss and close the wound, along with rehabilitation and recovery period, could take months and prevent workers from returning to work. However, workers’ compensation for amputation injuries can help cover these costs.
How Workplace Amputation Injuries Occur
There are many circumstances that can lead to amputation injuries in the workplace. Workers’ limbs can often become trapped in certain pieces of equipment, or they may be exposed to other hazards such as vehicle traffic or falling objects that may amputate workers on impact. Operator error or malfunctioning equipment could be responsible for the injury.
Regardless of the type of amputation injury sustained on the job and severity, workers can file for compensation for these injuries.
Treatment for Amputation Injuries
Workers who sustain amputation injuries often require long periods of recovery and rehabilitation. Medications, braces, and prosthetics are frequently required to help ensure recovery, while surgery is required to heal from these injuries.
Filing a Claim for Amputation Injuries in the Workplace
Many workers are frightened of the workers’ compensation system because of a lack of information around the filing process, but workers can avoid any potential confusion and problems along the way with the assistance of a qualified attorney. Illinois allows individuals to file a workers’ comp claim with either an attorney or the state.
To seek compensation from an employer for an amputation injury, individuals will need to provide them with a detailed written description of the incident within 45 days of the date of the injury. Employers can then decide whether to accept or deny the claim, but regardless of the decision, employers will need to provide a written description detailing the reasons for the decision. If the employer accepts the claim, they will be required to pay benefits and provide sufficient access to health care. However, if the employer denies the claim, individuals will need to file their claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). The individual should hire an attorney to represent them in their claim before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Work with Reliable and Trusted Amputation Injury Workers’ Comp Attorneys
If you sustain an amputation injury in the workplace or offsite on the job, there are certain questions you’re likely to ask, including:
- When can I return to work?
- How will I be able to support myself and my family?
- How much compensation will I be eligible to receive with a workers’ compensation claim?
- When will I receive payment to cover medical expenses?
If you experience an amputation injury or another type of work-related injury or illness, you may be able to recover benefits to help ensure you get the treatment needed for a full recovery. Workers’ comp can help pay for many different bills around amputation injuries, such as:
- Doctor visits
- Surgery
- Medication
- Rehabilitation
- Hospital stays
- Transportation to and from doctors’ appointments
- Medical equipment
Here at Vasilatos Injury Law, we can provide answers to these and any other questions you may have about amputation injury workers’ compensation. Our experienced attorneys have provided representation for clients who’ve experienced amputation injuries along with many other types of injuries resulting from workplace accidents or violence. Our legal team understands how serious and traumatic these injuries can be as they lead to lost wages and a permanent change in the victim’s lifestyle and ability to function.
We can provide you with an accurate assessment of your injury and its impact on your life regarding health, finances, and employment. We can then work with you to seek compensation for the pain and suffering sustained. We’ll help you recover a fair settlement that includes sufficient compensation to cover treatment and lost wages.
We will make sure you get the individual attention you need regardless of the nature of your injury and case. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys have many years of collective experience working with hundreds of workers’ comp clients to seek total compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for an Amputation Injury?
The type of settlement you can receive for an amputation injury will depend on the specifics regarding the case and the severity of the injury. The following are some success stories from clients we’ve represented in the past:
