Employees who work with machinery must ensure they understand how to use each piece safely. There are considerable risks that come with many machines because of the moving parts. One of the risks they face is a traumatic amputation.
A traumatic amputation occurs when a part of the body is detached from the rest of the body. This can occur to any body part, such as fingers, hands, arms or legs. Workers must be particularly vigilant if they’re working around equipment that can cause an amputation.
Complete versus partial amputations
All amputations are divided into two categories – partial or complete. A partial amputation means there is still tissue, such as a tendon, muscle or ligament, still attached. A complete amputation means that the severed body part isn’t attached at all to the body.
Medical care after an amputation
Medical care after an amputation is critical. The immediate concerns are loss of blood and shock. It’s sometimes possible to have the severed body part reattached, but that’s often a complex undertaking.
Whether the body part is reattached or not, the victim faces a long road to recovery. The financial impact of exorbitant medical care costs, considerable therapy bills and missed wages can seem insurmountable.
Employees who suffer an injury at work typically are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits, but they may have to fight for what they’re due. If you’re having difficulty with the claim application process or you believe that your claim has been wrongfully denied, having experienced legal guidance can help you protect your right to these crucial benefits.