Consequences of Workplace Injuries and Worker Amputations

Every year, it is estimated that around 5,000 employees in the United States undergo an amputation as a result of a work-related accident. This staggering number highlights the severity of workplace accidents and the importance of implementing safety measures.

Essential Facts About Workplace Injury Amputations

There are a number of key facts to bear in mind when it comes to workplace injury amputations. Considering this information provides you with important perspective regarding the risk of these types of accident injuries – and the grim reality that a majority of these types of accidents that result in amputations were avoidable. In other words, these accidents arise as a result of negligence, oftentimes negligence on the part of the employer. A work injury lawyer in Houston may be able to help if you or a loved one suffered an amputation injury due to another person or party’s negligence.

The manufacturing sector sees a disproportionately high rate of amputations compared to other industries. In fact, the rate of amputations in this sector is more than double that of all private industries combined, indicating the higher risks associated with manufacturing work.
In the construction industry, which is notorious for its high-risk work conditions, amputations account for a significant 10% of all severe injuries. This statistic serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by construction workers on a daily basis.
Machinery accidents and mishaps with power tools are the most common causes of workplace amputations. This points to the need for proper training and equipment maintenance to prevent such accidents.
A majority of 70% of workplace amputations affect the upper limbs, especially the fingers. This can significantly affect a worker’s ability to perform manual tasks, both at work and in their personal life.
Amputations are not just debilitating, they can also be fatal. They are the third most common cause of death in the workplace, underscoring the life-threatening nature of such injuries.
Men appear to be particularly at risk, with them accounting for 80% of all workplace amputations. This could be reflective of the types of jobs typically held by men, many of which are in higher-risk industries.
Older workers, specifically those aged 55 and above, have the highest rates of amputation. This could be due to a variety of factors, including longer exposure to risks and potentially slower reaction times.
The impact of a workplace amputation extends beyond the immediate injury. In 60% of cases, the injured worker needed at least one month off work to recover, affecting their income and potentially their long-term employment prospects.
Despite the implementation of safety regulations intended to protect workers, workplace amputations have seen an increase of 10% over the past decade. This suggests that more needs to be done to enforce these regulations and ensure worker safety.

Workplace Accidents that Result in Worker Amputations

Among the more commonly occurring workplace accidents that result in worker amputations include:

Crush injuries resulting from heavy machinery
Cuts or lacerations from sharp objects or tools
Injuries from power tools, such as saws or drills
Injuries from falling objects
Injuries from explosions or fires
Injuries from electrical equipment or wiring
Injuries from improper use or maintenance of equipment
Injuries from vehicle accidents or collisions in the workplace

Crush Injuries Resulting from Heavy Machinery

These injuries are prevalent in industries like construction and manufacturing, where heavy machinery usage is a regular occurrence. The immense force of these machines can easily crush limbs, leading to potential amputations. Such injuries can be avoided through proper training, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols.

Cuts or Lacerations from Sharp Objects or Tools

These injuries can take place in a wide range of workplace settings, from kitchens and workshops to factories. They often occur when workers handle sharp objects like knives, saws, scissors, or other cutting tools without proper protection. Ensuring the use of protective gear and promoting safety awareness can mitigate these incidents.

Injuries from Power Tools, Such as Saws or Drills

Power tools, if improperly used, can cause serious injuries. A worker might lose a finger or hand if it comes into contact with the blade of a power saw or the bit of a drill. Providing thorough training on power tool usage and ensuring their correct operation can prevent such accidents.

Injuries from conveyor belts or other automated machinery: Conveyor belts and other automated machinery can pose significant threats to workers, especially if they get entangled in the machinery. This can result in severe injuries, including amputations. Regular checks, maintenance, and ensuring workers are kept at a safe distance can help prevent these incidents.

Injuries from Falling Objects

In environments where objects are stored at height, there is a risk of them falling and causing injury. These falling objects can cause severe damage to the limbs, potentially leading to amputation. Proper storage and handling procedures can reduce this risk.

Injuries from Explosions or Fires

Explosions or fires can cause severe burns that damage tissue so severely that amputation may be necessary to save a person’s life. Regular safety checks, proper handling of flammable materials, and fire safety training can help prevent such incidents. The Doan Law Firm has extensive experience in representing clients injured in plant or refinery explosion accidents. You can find out more about your legal rights by calling our firm at (800) 349-0000.

Injuries from Electrical Equipment or Wiring

Electrical accidents can cause severe burns or other injuries that may necessitate amputation. These incidents might occur if the equipment is faulty or if safety protocols are not followed. Regular inspections of electrical equipment and wiring, along with proper training, can minimize these risks.

Injuries from Improper Use or Maintenance of Equipment

Improper handling or failure to maintain equipment can lead to accidents resulting in amputations. Regular safety checks, proper training, and rigorous maintenance schedules are essential to prevent such incidents.

Injuries from Vehicle Accidents or Collisions in the Workplace

In workplaces where vehicles are used, such as construction sites or warehouses, accidents can occur. These can result in severe injuries, including amputation, if a worker is caught between vehicles or struck by a vehicle. Regular vehicle safety checks, driver training, and strict adherence to traffic rules within the workplace can mitigate these risks.

Pursuing Justice After a Workplace Amputation Accident

Compensation following a workplace accident that results in an amputation depends on the facts and circumstances of a particular case. With that said, there are some types of compensation that commonly is sought by our firm for a client following this type of personal injury accident:

Compensation for medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Future earning loss
Pain and suffering
Disability benefits
Vocational training
Home modification costs
Loss of consortium

Compensation for Medical Expenses

This type of compensation covers all the medical costs incurred due to the injury. These include hospitalization expenses, costs of medications, physiotherapy sessions, prosthetic limbs, and any other ongoing medical expenses that are directly connected to the amputation.

Rehabilitation Costs

Rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery after an amputation. This compensation covers the expenses associated with any required rehabilitation programs, including physical and occupational therapy, which help the victim regain their functionality and independence.

Lost Wages

If the amputation has caused the victim to take time off work, they may be compensated for their lost wages. This compensation aims to cover the financial loss the victim has suffered due to their inability to work.

Future Earning Loss

In some cases, an amputation can significantly impact the victim’s ability to work in the future. The victim may seek compensation for future earning loss, which takes into account the potential earnings they could have made if they had not been injured.

Pain and Suffering

This is a form of compensation that acknowledges the physical pain and emotional distress the victim has endured due to the injury. It covers both the immediate pain from the injury and any ongoing pain or discomfort.

Disability Benefits

If the amputation results in a disability that hinders the victim from performing their regular duties, they could be entitled to disability benefits. These benefits provide financial support to help the victim manage their day-to-day life.

Vocational Retraining

If the amputation prevents the victim from performing their previous job functions, they may require vocational retraining. This compensation covers the cost of any training programs the victim needs to undertake to learn new skills or occupations.

Home Modification Costs

In some cases, the victim’s home may need to be modified to accommodate their disability. For instance, they may need to install wheelchair ramps or modify bathrooms. This compensation covers the costs associated with these home modifications.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium is awarded for the adverse impact the injury has had on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner. It considers factors like the loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations.

Your Legal Rights Following a Workplace Accident

The Doan Law Firm is here for you if you or a member of your family have suffered a workplace accident injury, including an amputation. You can reach our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee pledge to you. We guarantee that we will never charge an attorney fee in your case unless we win for you.