Fingers are used for reaching for and manipulating objects. Because of this, they are often put in a position of danger and can become injured or even amputated. Regardless of whether your finger injuries might seem minor or serious, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries both under a workers' compensation insurance program and possibly through a personal injury claim.
Types of Finger Injuries You Might Suffer at Work
The bones in your fingers are very vulnerable to breaking and could be dislocated or fractured in an accident. You will likely not be able to perform your work duties when your fingers are injured due to a work-related accident.
Soft tissues in your finger might also be injured and you might suffer from a tendon or ligament strain. You may suffer a nerve injury that will affect your ability to use your finger. In extreme cases, your finger might be amputated.
Reasons Why You Might Suffer a Finger Injury
Your fingers might be injured because of normal work responsibilities. If that's the case, you will want to file a workers' compensation insurance claim with your employer. However, if you are injured under certain circumstances, you may instead be entitled to compensation by taking legal action against a third party.
For example, you might have injured your finger while using dangerous machinery. If this is the case, the company that manufactured the machinery might be responsible for introducing a dangerous flaw in the machinery.
Why File a Third-Party Claim
Your attorney might argue that you should file a third-party claim because doing so will allow you to maximize the compensation that you receive for your injuries. Workers' compensation claims only cover medical bills and lost wages. However, you will not be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. Also, if the other party engaged in actions that were particularly egregious, you may be able to receive compensation for punitive damages.
However, filing a personal injury claim will require that you find fault in the other party. You will need to show that the other party was negligent and that this negligence directly caused your personal injury. Therefore, you will want to hire a job site accident attorney who can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove your case. Look for one in your local area and ask them if they think that you have a good case.