Georgians file over 30,000 indemnity claims annually, and while some workers suffer from broken bones, sprains and concussions, others will have their lives changed with the loss of a limb.
Workplace injuries often lead to temporary losses, but losing a limb is a catastrophic injury that can have an extensive value.
If you or a loved one has lost a limb or needs amputation due to an injury at work, do not go through this process alone. You need expert legal guidance to help you understand the true value of your loss and what steps you need to take next.
Call us at (404) 521-2667 to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer about your loss.
Case Illustration
Victoria is a mother of two, working at a warehouse in Atlanta and doing inventory. One of the workers placed a pallet on top of the shelving, and when it tipped over, it dropped over the side right onto Victoria’s leg.
Due to the weight of the pallet and the items it held, Victoria is left with brushing injuries from her shin down.
Doctors tried to save the crushed part of her leg, but the injuries were so intense that they needed to amputate right above the knee down.
Victoria’s life will be forever changed. She may have phantom limb syndrome and severe anxiety. Additionally, she will need to have a prosthetic made and will need to undergo extensive physical therapy to walk again.
Types of Limb Loss/Amputation Injuries that Employees Suffer at Work
Limb loss can fall into one of two types, both of which are severe and will require intensive medical treatment to recover from:
Partial Limb Loss
A partial limb loss is exactly what it sounds like: partial. For example, if just a small part of a person’s foot is crushed, the doctors may be able to amputate a small portion of the foot. Most of the foot may remain and while a prosthetic may be made, there will still be ankle articulation and movement in the foot.
Total Limb Loss
A total limb loss would be the opposite of partial. The person’s entire foot, for example, would need to be amputated or was lost due to the accident.
Workers’ compensation also has partial and total disability, which does not relate to the partial loss of the limb. Instead, a person may be partially disabled but may still be able to return to work. Total disability is such that the injured worker will never be able to return to gainful employment.
Medical assessments will be performed on you to determine the extent of your loss and how it will impact your employment.
What Types of Workplace Accidents Cause Limb Loss/Amputation Injuries?
Catastrophic workplace injuries like limb loss or amputation can be caused by:
- Forklift accidents
- Being hit by a truck or other vehicle
- Falling from scaffolding or ladders
- Farm equipment
- Meat grinders or food slicers
- Trash compactors
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Degloving injuries
Even a minor injury to a finger or the hand can result in amputation if left untreated.
Some jobs have a higher risk of amputation injuries than others. Industrial and manufacturing jobs that involve heavy machinery are more likely to cause these types of injuries. Any machine that’s capable of bending, cutting or punching can cause injuries that result in the loss of a limb.
Severe injuries such as these are life-changing, and, in many cases, make it difficult to return to the workplace.
What Steps Should I Take If I Injured My Limb Loss/Amputation at Work?
When workplace accidents involve the loss of a limb or amputation, the first and most important step is to seek medical care immediately.
Emergency medical care will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Once you have sought immediate care for your injury, it’s important to:
- Report the injury to your employer. In Georgia, workers are required to report injuries to their employers within 30 days of the incident. If you fail to meet this deadline, you may lose your benefits.
- See an authorized physician. Follow-up care will likely be required if you suffer the loss of a limb or amputation. Your employer will provide you with a list of authorized physicians who can provide the care you need. Make sure that you follow all of your doctor’s recommendations, follow through with treatments, and avoid returning to work until you are cleared to do so by your doctor.
- Consult with an attorney. When workplace injuries are severe enough to cause limb loss, you need the help of an attorney who can help you seek maximum benefits.
The loss of a limb is life-changing. You may need extensive rehabilitation or struggle to return to your previous line of work. Injuries of this magnitude may also require mental health care. In cases of permanent and total disability, you may be entitled to lifelong benefits.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will fight to ensure that you receive the benefits you need and deserve. Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their profits than providing a fair settlement. We’ll negotiate aggressively to protect your interests and advocate for you every step of the way.
How We Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Every year, Georgia workers are injured in workplace accidents that leave them with expensive medical bills and the inability to return to work. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to make workers whole by covering the cost of care and compensating for lost income.
Unfortunately, insurance companies will often try to deny workers’ compensation claims or offer low-ball settlements that do not take all of your losses into account.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson stand up to insurance companies and fight for injured workers all across Georgia.
Whether your injury was caused by an unsafe workplace or negligence, we will employ aggressive negotiation tactics to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact our firm today or call us to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help with your workers’ compensation claim.
