A variety of factors can lead to work-related cuts and lacerations.
Some of the most recognizable work injuries are cuts and lacerations. While they can be relatively harmless, there is a spectrum of severity when it comes to these types of damages. If you are near the upper end of that range, you will have an excellent shot at obtaining compensation. Here’s how.
Cuts vs Lacerations
The definitions of cuts and lacerations are nearly the same. The former is a blanket term for any damage that slices the skins apart and causes bleeding. The latter is a specific type of cut that has jagged edges. The rule of thumb is that sharp objects cause cuts, and blunt force leads to lacerations, but there are many exceptions to this generality.
Common Causes
A variety of factors can lead to cuts and lacerations. Some of the most common are falling, paper, staples, knives, broken glass, scissors, auto accidents, and splinters. Essentially, any activity that involves sharp objects or causes blunt force trauma puts you in danger.
Industries at Risk
The professions that sustain the most cuts and laceration are the ones that interact with the causes we presented above. While you can suffer a fall in any job, many of these factors are typical of specific industries. They include food preparation, manufacturing, office jobs, woodworking, and driving.
Obtaining Compensation
The one upside of suffering a cut or laceration at work is that you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation. The general process you go through is the following.
Report Your Injury – If you want to obtain compensation, you first need to tell your employer that you were hurt. Doing so is a simple process, as every company should have a protocol for work injuries.
See a Doctor – In the state of Missouri, you are required to see a company doctor. Doing so will give you an idea of the extent of your injuries.
Find a Lawyer – A skilled attorney will be vital throughout the process, so finding the right one is crucial. Once you do, you and your lawyer will compile your expenses, settle on a strategy, and make a claim.
Severity is Crucial
As you might imagine, the amount of compensation you are entitled to depend entirely on the nature of your injury. If you sustain a small cut that can heal in a day or two with the help of bandages, you will likely not pursue benefits. The reason is that you incurred almost no cost for your damages. On the other hand, if you experience a massive laceration that disables you and keeps you out of work for a significant amount of time, you will absolutely want to explore workers’ compensation. The two best ways to figure out where you stand are getting a doctor’s assessment and talking to an attorney.
If you sustain a cut or laceration at work, your first job is to get the medical attention you need. Next, consider the severity of the injury, speak with a workers compensation attorney, and decide if you want to pursue benefits.
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