How Dangerous Worksites Can Cause Amputation Injuries

Workers employed at worksites in and around Oklahoma City are at risk of life-altering amputation injuries. When an individual suffers an amputation, they must learn how to carry out their daily tasks without a vital body part; this can lead to long-term physical, mental, and financial stress. However, they may be eligible to receive financial assistance by filing a workers’ compensation claim.

What are the different types of amputation injuries that may result from a workplace accident?

n amputation is considered a catastrophic injury that may require significant adjustment and adaptation. Amputations can happen immediately at the accident scene, or during treatment if the doctor determines that the limb is severely damaged and must be surgically amputated. Four of the most common types of amputation injuries that can happen in a workplace accident include:

1. Traumatic crush injury: When too much force or pressure is applied to a limb, the muscles, bones, and soft tissues may suffer permanent damage. For example, if a heavy object falls on your arm or your foot gets caught in a machine, the ensuing traumatic crush injury could result in an amputation.
2. Immediate limb loss: Immediate limb loss occurs when the limb is severed at the accident scene. Large and powerful machinery, sharp tools, or work vehicles can cause immediate limb loss.
3. Explosive trauma: With over 100,000 Oklahomans employed, the oil and gas industry is a major part of the economy. However, these workers are at heightened risk of experiencing explosive trauma. Explosive trauma occurs when an explosion creates intense force and impact. When a person is near the explosion site, they may suffer broken or fractured bones, severe tissue damage, or a traumatic amputation.
4. Degloving injury: A degloving injury occurs when the tissues and skin become completely ripped away from the muscle, ligaments, and bones underneath.

Most common reasons for worksite amputation injuries

Many manufacturing, agricultural, and transportation jobs across Oklahoma City require workers to operate powerful equipment, tools, and machinery on a regular basis. For example, a farmer may be required to operate a combine, tractor, or a plow every day. Due to the injuries that these machines can cause, it is crucial for these workers to receive the proper training and experience before they are allowed to operate them. Some of the most common reasons for worksite amputation injuries are:

• Lack of safety equipment: When workers do not wear or are not provided with the proper equipment meant to keep them safe, amputations may occur. For example, if there are no guards on the power tool, and someone knocks them over, they could fall on another person’s foot or hand, resulting in an amputation.
• Contact with sharp equipment: Many industries use knives, saws, box cutters, and other sharp equipment. Sharp equipment can cut, puncture, or even sever body parts within minutes.
• Slip and fall accidents: If the floor or ground is wet, you may slip and fall; you may even land on sharp tools or objects nearby. Your body part or limb may experience a deep cut, resulting in an amputation.
• Falls from heights: A lot of workers use ladders and scaffolds to help them accomplish their work-related tasks from great heights. However, if a ladder or scaffold collapses or falls, the worker could become trapped or crushed, leading to an amputation.
• Falling objects: It is not uncommon for objects to fall within the worksite. However, depending on how heavy or sharp an object is, it could also result in the removal of a limb.
• Machinery and tools: Many jobs require their employees to use various types of machinery and tools to make their job-related tasks easier. However, these machines can malfunction, or a worker can make a simple mistake, leading to body parts becoming caught in the machinery or tools. Some of the most common machinery or tools that may cause amputations are conveyor belts, saws, welding machines, power presses, printing presses, milling machines, meat grinders, food slicers, drill presses, and more.

How bad does an injury have to be for a doctor to decide to amputate?

If you suffered a severe injury to one of your body parts in the workplace, a licensed healthcare provider must the full extent of your injury. This may require several different procedures. If it is determined that the tissue within the limb is irreparable, or you have developed an infection in the limb that could endanger your life, the doctor will likely recommend a surgical amputation.

How to get workers’ compensation for an amputation injury

The workers’ compensation process can be extremely complex. However, with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer you can focus on your recovery while they handle your claim. Those who suffer an amputation injury are often considered permanently disabled. However, every individual’s situation is unique, which is why it’s vital to retain an attorney who can review your claim, determine your legal options, and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

At Cunningham & Mears, we take amputation injuries seriously. Our Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorneys understand how challenging life can become following an amputation injury, which is why we are dedicated to securing the benefits and compensation you need for a complete and successful recovery. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.