Texas Workers’ Compensation for Construction Amputations
Construction workers have dangerous jobs, and amputation is one of the biggest accident risks they face.
The loss of an appendage can change a worker’s life forever, causing chronic pain, limitations on mobility, and loss of income.
Workplace Amputation Causes
Workers may suffer an immediate amputation during their construction site accident, or surgical amputation later on. Common causes of these injuries include:
- Inadequate safety equipment. A lack of necessary safety equipment, such as guards on power tools and fall prevention systems, increases amputation risks in the event of an accident.
- Malfunctioning equipment. When heavy machinery isn’t properly maintained, workers are at risk of amputation accidents.
- Falls. When a construction worker falls from a ladder or scaffolding, he may have an appendage damaged beyond repair, which requires amputation.
- Falling objects. When workers high above the ground drop tools or construction materials, these falling objects can cause amputation injuries when they strike unsuspecting co-workers.
Receiving Compensation
Amputation injuries can inflict severe emotional and physical trauma on accident victims, and they may suffer psychological damage such as phantom pain for years to come. In addition to the emotional impact of an amputation, recovery often involves serious financial hardship. Many amputation victims need long-term medical care, prosthetics, physical therapy, and psychological counseling.
If you’re the victim of a workplace amputation injury, a workers’ compensation claim can provide benefits to cover medical treatment, lost wages, disability payments, and job retraining. Start your claim by reporting your injuries to your employer within 30 days of the accident. You must also file a claim with the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation within one year of your injury date. However, it’s best to report your injuries as soon as possible. If you don’t, the workers’ compensation insurance company will likely argue that your injuries really aren’t that serious.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.