Apex Workers’ Compensation Hand Injury Settlements

Apex workers’ compensation hand injury settlements can provide replacement income, medical care, and disability compensation. You can have an Apex workers’ compensation lawyer represent you. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is currently taking new cases. Contact us now.

Workplace Accidents That Commonly Cause Hand Injuries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 102,350 hand injuries on the job in a year in the United States. An additional 28,410 wrist injuries occurred on the job. The statistics account for injuries in the private industry that result in time away from work.

Workplace accidents that commonly cause hand injuries include:

• Pinch points: The hand or finger becomes stuck or pinched between heavy or forceful objects.
• Crushing injury: The hand is wedged under or against something that applies force.
• Motor vehicle accident: Blunt force trauma or sudden deceleration causes damage to the hand and wrist.
• Tool and machinery misuse: A tool or machine can trap the hand or cause lacerations.
• Exposure to sharp objects: Sharp objects or points that stick out can injure the hand.
• Chemical exposure: Poor materials handling and accidents can cause chemical burns and toxic exposure.
• Slip and fall: Using the hand to break a fall can result in traumatic injury.
• Electrical shock: Contact with electricity can cause nerve damage and burn injury.

The Energy Workforce & Technology Council reports that 20% of disabling workplace injuries are hand injuries.

Types of Hand Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation

• Fracture: One or more of the 27 bones in the hand may be broken.
• Cuts, lacerations: A cut may damage the skin, muscles, and other soft tissue. There may be a risk of infection.
• Dislocations: A bone in the fingers or wrist may be dislodged from its joint, causing pain and deformity.
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the hand may cause numbing, tingling, pain, and loss of motor control.
• Ligament tears: A sprain in the hand can cause pain and instability.
• Strain: Pulled muscle fibers in the hand are a muscle strain.
• Burns: A hand burn can cause disfigurement, pain, and risk of infection.
• Crushing injury: Crushing injury to the hand can cause bone and soft tissue damage.
• Amputation: Loss of the hand or a finger may occur.
• Overuse injuries: Repetitive task injury can cause pain and mobility limitations.

Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement Amounts for Hand Injuries

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports an average workers’ compensation cost for hand injury of $28,326 in the period studied. The figure includes medical care and cash benefits.

In addition, the Energy Workforce & Technology Council estimates the following employer costs for hand injuries, by type of injury:

• Lacerations: $40,023
• Punctures: $47,703
• Fractures: $101,833
• Crushing: $118,769

Your workers’ compensation hand injury settlement may be more or less than the average workers’ compensation settlement for hand injury. The amount you receive depends on how long you miss work, the extent of medical care needed, and the likelihood of permanent disability. Consult with an attorney about the details of your case to understand the potential value of your case.

Loss of Function, Grip Strength, or Amputation Considerations

Generally, you may continue medical care benefits until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). If you have a permanent impairment of the hand following MMI, you may be eligible for impairment compensation. North Carolina workers’ compensation rules determine how hand impairment is compensated in Apex.

The loss of the hand is compensated at 66 2/3% of average weekly wages before injury, subject to the impairment rating for the injury. An evaluation of the hand will include joint stiffness, range of motion, and pain. Malalignment, shortening, and stiffening of fingers may also be considered. Laceration of the hand is evaluated for loss of sensation and muscles and tendons splitting in the palm.

Loss of a hand is generally compensated for 200 weeks. Loss of both hands may qualify for permanent and total disability compensation.

Medical Evidence Needed for Hand Injury Claims

Medical evidence needed for a hand injury claim must explain:

• The diagnosis: What the injuries are
• The prognosis: How the hand is likely to heal over time
• Treatment needed: What treatment is required, including surgery and rehabilitation
• Employment-related: That the injury is the result of a workplace accident or incident
• Permanent impairment: Whether there is lasting disability, including the appropriate rating for compensation

Medical evidence must be thorough and must be prepared in advance of your hearing. If you disagree with the opinion of the employer’s medical care provider, you can challenge it. A lawyer can help you determine what evidence you need and work with experts to develop your case.

What To Do If Your Hand Injury Claim Is Denied

If your hand injury claim is denied, review the reasons given by the insurance company. You must file paperwork with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to protect your rights and request a hearing. Save paperwork relating to the case, including communication from the insurance company and medical records.

You have a limited amount of time to protect your rights, so the sooner you file, the sooner your case moves toward mediation and a hearing. Pursuing a workers’ compensation hand injury settlement may be right for you. You have the right to take your case to a hearing. A lawyer can help you evaluate your hand injury at work and give legal advice on how to pursue your case.

Why an Apex Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help Maximize Compensation

Receiving the compensation you deserve for a hand injury at work can be challenging. The insurance company may deny that the injury is work-related. They may minimize the medical treatment required or order you back to work before you are ready. Calculations in your average weekly wage or impairment rating can be incorrect.

An Apex workers’ compensation lawyer can help you identify key issues and build the evidence to pursue your case. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, help clients pursue their hand injury settlements. Our lawyers handle everything needed for your case. Call or message us now.