Cuts and Lacerations Lawyers in Springfield
Helping Clients Who Sustained Serious Cuts and Lacerations on the Job
When you think of a serious injury, you likely do not first consider cuts. After all, many cuts are relatively minor and might only require some first aid to heal. Many people do not need professional medical help or emergency treatment for cuts or lacerations. On the other hand, cuts and lacerations can be very serious and might need immediate medical attention. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you might need stitches or medical intervention for a cut or laceration. If you suffered your injury on the job, it is always worth it to get your cut or laceration professionally cleaned and assessed by a medical professional. This can prevent infection, limit scarring, and speed up the healing process. If you believe you need medical attention for a cut or laceration, your employer's workers' compensation insurance should cover your medical expenses and other injury-related losses. If your laceration was more severe, you might deserve disability benefits. You should ensure that your wound is stabilized and then speak with a Missouri workers' compensation cuts and lacerations lawyer at The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton.
Work-Related Lacerations
A laceration is a tear of the skin, commonly referred to as a "cut." Lacerations can happen anywhere on the body - usually from contact with a blade or another sharp object. Some common causes of lacerations at work include:
- Power tool accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Manufacturing equipment accidents
- Falls
- Getting hit by a falling object
Even a piece of paper can slice your finger and cause a laceration, though cuts from serious falls or equipment-related accidents can be significantly more severe.
Seeking Treatment for Your Job-Related Laceration
Depending on the location and the severity of the laceration, it can often affect more than just the skin. Some possible complications from lacerations include:
- Infections when the wound is not cleaned properly
- Fractured bones from the impact of a sharp object, including in the face
- Torn tendons, ligaments, or muscles
- Organ damage from very deep lacerations in the abdomen
- Traumatic brain injury from lacerations that pierce the skull
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis from lacerations that damage spinal tissue
In many cases, a laceration will need stitches, sutures, or medical adhesive to close the wound, though you only have a few hours during which you can get such treatment. In cases of serious lacerations, you might need surgery to repair tissue or organs underneath the skin.
Discuss Your Next Steps with a Springfield and Joplin Cuts and Lacerations Lawyer
Cuts and lacerations can be as minor as a paper cut, though they can also cause impairments, disfigurement, and might even be fatal in some cases. The workers' compensation attorneys at The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton help clients obtain the benefits they need after this type of injury.
To reach our office call (417) 545-3775. You can also reach out to our team online, and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
Stay In The Know
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Why Do I Need a Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorney?A workers’ compensation claim can take several months, even years, to resolve, especially if you continue to suffer from the effects of your work-related injury. Your employer and its insurance company will be represented by highly skilled attorneys who know how to exploit an injured employee. You need to level the playing field by hiring a Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight on your behalf.
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What Happens If My Employer Denies Me Workers’ Compensation Benefits?In many cases, your employer or their insurance company will promptly pay any workers’ compensation benefits. But if they deny benefits–or stop paying them before you receive what you believe you are entitled to under the law–then you have the right to file a claim with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. An administrative law judge appointed by the Division will review your claim and either conduct mediation between you and your employer, or alternatively hold a formal hearing to determine your right to compensation.
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What Kinds of Injuries Are Covered?
Under Missouri law, workers’ compensation only covers injuries that arise “out of and in the course of employment.” This includes accidents that occur during your work shift. It also includes “occupational diseases” contracted at work, provided workplace exposure was the “prevailing” cause.
Workers’ compensation is not necessarily limited to injuries suffered at your normal workplace. If your job requires you to travel–i.e., make deliveries or conduct on-site work with clients–you may be compensated for injuries sustained in the course of such travel. However, Missouri workers’ compensation law specifically excludes injuries sustained while commuting from home to work and back, even if you use a company-owned car.
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