Workers' Fractures, Amputations and Disfigurement Injuries

South Carolina Workers' Compensation Attorney

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are over 1 million on-the-job illnesses or injuries in the United States each year resulting in time lost from the job. Limb injuries to the arms and legs account for close to 20,000 of those accidents. Many of the victims are heavy equipment operators, although serious limb and disfiguring injuries can be caused by malfunctioning equipment, faulty hydraulic gear, fires, and from numerous other accidents caused from operating heavy machinery or farm equipment.

The Maguire Law Firm knows that suffering by victims of a disfiguring or scarring accident often includes significant emotional pain, including loss of self-esteem, isolation, and diminished enjoyment of daily life activities, as well as decreased quality of life. When the injuries and scars are visible the social stigma can be overwhelming while the injuries themselves can impact future employment opportunities.

If you or a member of your family has been in an accident that occurred while on the job, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent impairment. We will seek to get you the justice you deserve. Contact our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina firm at 843-361-7549 or toll free at (800) 525-9900. You can also contact us online for a free initial consultation.

Fractures, Amputations, and Disfigurement Injury Information

After an accident where the victim’s fingers, toes, hands, feet, or even an entire limb is severely damaged, reconstruction is sometimes an option. The limb and body part may be able to be reattached or reconstructed after severely damaging injuries if medical action is taken quickly and proper care is given to the victim and the injured extremity. The severity of the injury, the condition of the affected part, which part or limb was impacted, and how long it takes to receive medical help, all drive whether reconstruction surgery can be successful.

On some occasions, amputations may be required after a severe injury to prevent further damage or to save the person’s life. In the case of an accidental amputation, if the amputated part is too severely damaged, it may not be possible to reattach. Also, if the part is too small -- a fingertip, for example -- reattachment surgery may not be an option either. Finally, if the body part is severed for too long after an accidental amputation, the connecting tissue may be too damaged for reattachment.

Teeth, mouth, and jaw injuries requiring surgery, facial lacerations, scarring to the face, and bodily burns resulting from fires on the job are all potential risks for those in working around heavy equipment, in construction positions, or in manufacturing environments. The most serious burns are initially painless and involve all layers of the skin resulting in permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected with the burned areas appearing either charred black or dry and white. If you are around someone that has been seriously burned call 911 immediately and cover the area with a cool, moist, sterile cloth or towel. Do not attempt any other first aid to prevent any further damage.

Calling 911 for all serious injuries should be the first step in any first aid, and ensuring that the victim is lying down and remains still is critical to preventing any further injury.

Recovery from Severe Injuries

Recovery from any type of fracture, amputation, or disfigurement injuries takes a long time as well as strong emotional support from friends and families. Each of these injuries also requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage, and to increase the chance of mobility upon recovery. Many of these injuries require multiple surgeries, heavy medication, and lengthy stays in hospitals or rehabilitation.

Scarring is often an issue and many patients turn to plastic surgery to limit the appearance of the injuries. Being fitted with an artificial limb and learning exercises to strengthen the affected area are all part of rehabilitation when an amputation has occurred. In addition, assistive devices and adaptation of the home may be part of the recovery to help the patient resume their usual activities as quickly as possible. Learning techniques to deal with the physical and emotional discomfort are typically included in the recovery process.

Where Your Best Interest is What Matters

At the Maguire Law Firm, we represent people throughout Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties who have suffered a serious fracture, amputation or disfigurement injury as a result of their work. Our firm’s strength is our attorney's understanding of the medical aspects of injuries and the ability to turn the complex information into clear and compelling language that can provide you with a lifetime of medical care.

You may be entitled to a lump-sum settlement for your permanent injuries. If your claim requires a hearing before a Workers' Compensation Commissioner, rest assured that we will be by your side every step of the way. We are motivated by a sincere concern and compassion for all individuals who have suffered in a workplace accident or who have been harmed by another's disregard, negligence, or intentional wrongful act.

Contact Us

If you have a serious fracture, amputation or disfigurement injury from an accident while on the job, we can protect your rights. We are dedicated to seeing that you get the justice you deserve.

To reach us in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area call 843-361-7549 or use our toll free number at (800) 525-9900. You can also contact us online. We offer free initial consultations and flexible appointment scheduling for your convenience.