If you’re injured on the job, you may qualify for a Monroe workers’ compensation hand injury settlement. A hand injury claim may award compensation for lost work, medical care, and permanent impairment.
You may have an experienced Monroe workers’ compensation attorney represent you in your claim for compensation. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is taking new cases now.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Hand Injury Settlements
Here’s what our lawyers want you to know about workers’ comp hand injury settlements.
- Workers’ compensation claims don’t depend on proving fault for the accident. There are standards to qualify, but proving negligence is not required.
- You may claim for a hand injury if you are injured in an accident in the course of employment.
- There are many types of hand injuries. Each award is determined individually.
- Any hand injury may significantly affect someone’s ability to work. You may receive wage replacement income and vocational rehabilitation services accordingly.
- Insurance companies deny good claims and minimize payments. You may have a lawyer represent you to fight for your benefits.
A settlement is a negotiated agreement, reflecting the amount of compensation an individual may be eligible for under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. North Carolina rules apply to claims in Monroe, NC.
Common Work Accidents That Lead to Hand Injuries in Monroe
Accidents that frequently lead to hand injuries on the job in Monroe include the following:
- Car, truck, and equipment collisions
- Falling objects, structure collapse
- Slip and fall, trip and fall
- Tool and equipment accidents
- Vibration, repetitive strain
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Chemical exposure
There may be underlying causes, such as poor training, lack of personal protective equipment, and inadequate maintenance.
Types of Hand and Finger Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Hand and finger injuries covered by workers’ compensation may include any injury that occurs by accident in the course of employment. Some repetitive trauma injuries may also be compensated.
Hand and finger injuries that may qualify for a workers’ compensation hand injury settlement include:
- Broken bones: Fractures to any of the 27 bones in the hand, including the wrist, palm, and fingers.
- Tendon tear: Damage to a tendon that may cause pain and impaired movement and may require surgery.
- Ligament tear: Damage to the fibrous bands that connect and stabilize bones.
- Nerve damage: Injury that may cause pain, loss of function, and impaired sensation.
- Lacerations and wounds: Cuts or punctures that break the skin.
- Object in the hand: An object lodged in the hand.
- Dislocation: A joint forced out of its normal, functional position.
- Sprain: Injury to the soft tissue that supports the joint.
- Pulled muscle: Muscle strain that may occur with tendon injury.
You may claim compensation for the injury or any combination of injuries that are work-related.
How NC Determines Hand Injury Settlement Amounts
A hand injury settlement amount includes the various categories of workers’ compensation awards and considers the extent of impairment following maximum medical improvement. Wage compensation and vocational rehabilitation costs may be appropriate to include in a settlement.
An individual may negotiate to have medical care included in their settlement, along with permanent impairment.
Average workers’ compensation settlements for hand injury don’t reflect what you might receive for a specific case. Your claim may be more or less than average. How you pursue your case can also impact your award amount.
Permanent Impairment Ratings for Hand Injuries
Permanent impairment ratings for hand injuries are determined by the North Carolina workers’ compensation schedule of injuries (N.C.G.S. § 97-31) and the N.C. Industrial Commission Rating Guide.
The treating physician uses the rating guide to evaluate the extent of impairment. Fingers are evaluated separately, by joint. A loss of a hand or an arm is its own category. Using the guide to assign an impairment rating, the physician evaluates each affected body part. The impairment rating is then paid for the number of weeks stated in the schedule of injuries.
For example, loss of the hand or its use is paid for 200 weeks. The loss of the little finger is paid for over 20 weeks. The amount paid is 66 2/3% of the person’s average weekly wage before the injury.
Having an accurate impairment rating is critical to a workers’ compensation hand injury settlement. A lawyer can review your rating, and if there are miscalculations, your lawyer can pursue your case.
What If You Cannot Return to Work After a Hand Injury?
If you cannot return to work after a hand injury, you may receive temporary disability compensation. You may claim 66 2/3% of pre-injury wages, up to a maximum amount, and may receive these weekly benefits for up to 500 weeks.
In addition, you may seek vocational rehabilitation services, which can help you increase your earning capacity. Assistance may include education, vocational training, assessments, and placement services.
The compensation you deserve may be part of your hand injury settlement. A lawyer can help you ensure that your claim is complete.
How To Handle a Denied Monroe Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your Monroe workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you have a limited amount of time to challenge it. You may ask for a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission, where a neutral hearing officer can decide your case. Review the denial to see the reasons given for the denial.
Evidence is required for a successful appeal. Medical evidence may be especially important. A lawyer can help you investigate, prepare evidence, and pursue your case.
Monroe, NC, Hand Injury at Work Compensation
A small city with a population of about 35,000, Monroe, NC, is the county seat of Union County and part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. Claims for hand injuries on the job are processed through the North Carolina Industrial Commission. A lawyer can represent you.
Get Help from an Experienced Monroe Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve injured your hand on the job, you can receive help from an experienced Monroe workers’ compensation lawyer. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is taking new cases now. We handle complex hand injury cases in Monroe, NC, and the surrounding areas.
Call or message us now.
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