Hand injuries can be debilitating and have significant implications on a person’s quality of life. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe fractures, dislocations, and amputations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hand injuries account for about 13% of total workplace injuries, and the average cost of a hand injury is approximately $21,000. This article will discuss some of the common causes of hand injuries and their impact on insurance compensation.

Fall Injuries

Falls are one of the most common causes of hand injuries. When people fall, they tend to use their hands to break their fall, resulting in fractures, dislocations, and sprains.

Falls can occur due to various reasons, including slippery surfaces, uneven walkways, obstacles, and poor lighting. Falls can happen anywhere, but they are common in workplaces, construction sites, and homes.

The insurance compensation for fall injuries depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment needed, and the circumstances under which the injury occurred.

In general, employees who sustain injuries while on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which typically cover medical expenses and wage loss. However, if the injury occurs due to the employer’s negligence, the employee may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.

Machinery and Equipment Injuries

Machinery and equipment injuries are common in industrial workplaces and can result in severe hand injuries such as amputations. These injuries typically occur when the hand comes into contact with moving parts, sharp edges, or pinch points.

Hand injuries from machinery and equipment can cause severe disability, requiring long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.

In most cases, employees injured while operating machinery or equipment are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

However, if the injury occurs due to a defective machine or equipment, the employee may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer for compensation.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are a significant cause of hand injuries. When a person is involved in a car accident, their hands may be squeezed between the steering wheel and the dashboard or window, resulting in fractures, cuts, and other injuries.

In more severe cases, hand injuries can lead to nerve damage, leading to long-term disability.

The insurance compensation for motor vehicle accidents depends on the circumstances under which the accident occurred. If the accident occurred while the employee was driving a company car, workers’ compensation benefits may apply.

However, if the accident occurred due to another driver’s negligence, the employee may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are also a common cause of hand injuries. Athletes who participate in contact sports such as football, basketball, and rugby are at a higher risk of sustaining hand injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and cuts.

These injuries can be severe, requiring splinting, casting, or surgery.

Injury compensation for sports-related hand injuries depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury, the type of sport, and the insurance policy covering the sport.

In general, sports teams and organizations have insurance policies that cover injuries sustained during training and competition.

Assaults and Violence

Assaults and violence are a common cause of hand injuries, particularly among young people. These injuries can result from fights, assaults, or domestic violence.

Hand injuries from violence can be severe, leading to fractures, dislocations, and cuts that require medical attention.

The compensation for hand injuries due to violence depends on various factors, including the state laws, the type of insurance policy, and the circumstances under which the injury occurred.

In general, victims of violence may also be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrators for additional compensation.

Construction Site Injuries

Construction sites are another common location for hand injuries. Workers on construction sites are typically exposed to hazardous materials, sharp objects, and heavy machinery, which can lead to hand injuries such as cuts, fractures, and amputations.

Injuries sustained on construction sites can be severe, leading to long-term disability.

The compensation for hand injuries on construction sites depends on several factors, including the state laws; whether the employee is covered under workers’ compensation or personal injury insurance policy; and the extent of the injury and medical expenses.

Impact of Hand Injuries on Insurance Compensation

Hand injuries can have a significant impact on the insurance compensation that an injured person receives.

The amount of compensation depends on various factors such as the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment needed, and the circumstances under which the injury occurred.

In general, insurance policies cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses. However, the amount of compensation an injured person receives may vary depending on the type of injury, the insurance policy, and the state laws.

In some cases, an injured person may also be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the injury for additional compensation.

Conclusion

Hand injuries can be severe, leading to long-term disability and significant financial burden.

They can occur due to several reasons such as falls, machinery and equipment accidents, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, assaults, and violence, and construction site accidents. The insurance compensation for hand injuries varies depending on the type of injury, insurance policy, and state laws. In general, injured persons are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover medical expenses and wage loss.

However, if the injury occurs due to another party’s negligence, the injured person may also be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.