Hand injuries, along with finger injuries, are the most common type of work injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More specifically, organizations report that lacerations are the most common type of hand-related injury. If you or someone you know sustained a hand-related injury while on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Common Types of Hand Injuries
Hand injuries may occur gradually over time or may happen suddenly without warning. The most common types of hand injuries employees sustain on the job include:
- Lacerations: A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin and range from mild to more severe.
- Crush Injuries: Crush injuries occur when force or pressure is put on a specific part of the body.
- Avulsions: Avulsions occur when the tissue from a wound is not just separated, but is completely torn away from a person’s body.
- Punctures: Puncture wounds occur when a sharp object pierces the skin and creates a small hole.
- Fractures: A fracture is a crack in the bone and can result from a slip and fall, or when too much pressure or force is applied.
Workers’ Compensation for Hand Injuries
An employee may receive benefits if they were hurt on the job if their employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation covers an employee’s medical treatment and lost wages. It also provides death benefits to the family of an employee who died as a result of a workplace accident or illness.
Benefits can fall into four different categories, including:
- Temporary Total Benefits: An insurance company must pay these benefits when you are injured on the job and cannot work.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: An employee receives permanent disability benefits when they are unable to return to work due to their work-related injury or illness.
- Death Benefits: Death benefits are paid to the dependents of the deceased employee. These benefits are 70 percent of the deceased employee’s weekly wage. A deceased employee’s spouse, as well as children who were part of the deceased’s household at the time of death, are automatically assumed to be dependents. A spouse and children who were not living under the deceased’s household at the time of death must prove dependency.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
After sustaining an injury on the job, it is important that you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. In the state of New Jersey, you have up to 90 days to report an injury. After reporting your injury, you have two years to file a claim.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Represent Clients Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you were injured on the job and are filing a workers’ compensation claim, contact a Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyer at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP. Our experienced lawyers will obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-761-3773. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Camden, Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade, and Pennsauken.
