Cuts and Lacerations in the Workplace

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Cuts and lacerations are very common in the workplace. They are generally caused by an external grievance. While cuts tend to be superficial and they may affect only the surface of the skin, lacerations go deeper and may damage the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones. A laceration can affect the injured worker’s ability to live a normal life.

Cuts and lacerations come as a result of a trip or a fall, slips, job tools, sharp surfaces exposed, and other common causes. Lacerations are tears or cuts of the skin caused by sharp objects such as broken glass and exposed metal edges. Laceration wounds can range in severity from superficial to deep, and in some instances, they can be very deadly.

This article gives an overview of cuts and lacerations. If you have suffered from these types of work-related injuries in South Florida, contact a Miami workers’ compensation lawyer from Gallardo Lawyers to find out more about the compensation available for your specific circumstances.

Laceration and cut wounds

Some of the common lacerations resulting from injuries on the job include cuts on the face, torso, arms, fingers, and legs. Workers who have experienced these injuries should seek immediate medical care. A deep gash, for example, can damage tendons and muscles. Even superficial lacerations may lead to severe infections, illness, and even death. In some cases, the amputation of limbs may be required to prevent infection and other life-threatening conditions. If you feel you are receiving incorrect treatment for your injuries, contact Gallardo Lawyers.

What to do after a workplace injury

After a workplace accident, your workers’ compensation doctor should refer you to someone that specializes in cases involving cuts and lacerations. Infected wounds may lead to major complications. Some signs of wound infections include severe pain, chills, irritation, and discoloration around the wound. After you have contacted your doctor and workers’ comp carrier, make sure you seek appropriate legal advice to help you be whole again.

Workers’ compensation benefits available

A worker that suffers from a laceration that requires medical intervention can call 911 to receive medical assistance. However, you won’t receive compensation unless you file a workers' comp claim first. Some of the most common benefits available include:

Medical care – After you have filed your claim, ask your manager or HR representative for a list of workers’ compensation doctors so that you can be treated at no charge. Common treatment includes doctor’s visits, medication, stitches, antibiotics, and any other medical care your cuts and lacerations may need.
Payment of partial wages when you can’t work on a permanent or temporary basis. But in order to have access to workers’ compensation benefits, you first need to meet specific guidelines.
Job training – Some training may be available if you can no longer perform the same job duties.

Workers’ compensation representation

Gallardo Lawyers helps victims of workplace injuries throughout South Florida seek compensation for their losses. Our cut and laceration injury lawyers are committed to assisting injured workers and their families, and they are highly experienced in all facets of workers’ compensation law. We will navigate the system on your behalf so that you can get the most out of your workers’ comp claim.

What occupations face the highest risk of receiving cuts and lacerations?

Some specific occupations are more at risk of receiving a laceration: Cooks and chefs – when dishes are broken or when preparing food / Butchers – with the use of sharp knives and machines used to cut meat / Servers and wait staff – their line of work is exposed to cut and laceration hazards / Construction workers and roofers – construction sites can be hazardous and may cause lethal injuries

What are the most common causes of cuts and lacerations in the workplace?

Some of the possible causes of these injuries include: Inadequate training, Lack of safety procedures, Rushing through work tasks, Not wearing proper protection, Equipment that’s not correctly adjusted or maintained

How can employers prevent cuts and lacerations?

To minimize the risk for cuts and lacerations, employers should establish work procedures that will help them identify and control these hazards. It’s crucial that body parts are kept away from hazards. Some control measures employers can implement include: Training employees to follow work procedures, Keep adequate machine guarding, Wear personal protective equipment, Inspect tools prior to use and use them safely, Use the required tools for the job, Keep the item you are using secured, Replace blades when they become dull, Stand in a well-balanced position

What are the most common treatments available for cuts and lacerations?

The most common treatments for these injuries include ointments, stitching up the wounds and antibiotic treatments. Blood transfusions to replace blood loss and skin grafting to aid with wound healing may be needed for severe injuries. The most severe cases may require amputation to prevent infections and life-threatening situations.

What does the recovery process look like?

Recovery can be extensive requiring medication to prevent infection, bandaging to ensure the patient heals properly, and physical therapy to gain mobility following ligament damage. Recovery may require the patient to take time off work, which will result in wage loss and emotional distress. Thankfully, workers’ comp may be available for your specific circumstances. Call a Miami workers comp attorney to find out more!