Suffering from an abrasion caused by a work-related accident may leave you wondering what you should do next. While a minor abrasion may only need basic first aid, a severe abrasion may need medical care from a physician. Do you know what your workers’ compensation rights are? There are many benefits through workers’ compensation that may be available to you after an on-the-job injury. Basics of Workers’ Compensation Most employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance policies under state law. It’s a special type of insurance that protects people who are hurt on the job. If eligible, hurt workers may receive assistance with medical expenses, medical care, rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, compensation for lost wages, and potentially partial, temporary, or permanent partial disability. Workers’ compensation policies are free of charge to employees. Abrasions from a Work Injury In many occupations, workers are at risk of suffering from an abrasion injury while working. Most work-related abrasions that occur are to the hands and wrists. Abrasions can happen anywhere on your body where the skin is exposed to a rough surface during an accident. Abrasions are similar to burns. Abrasion injuries often occur in various types of work environments such as maintenance, landscaping, warehouses, electrical, plumbing, construction, and the oil & gas field. These types of accidents in the workplace can cause abrasions: Slip and falls because of water, oil, or other spilled liquid on the floor of your work environment. Falling from a ladder or off of steps. Falling from a scaffold. Motor vehicle accident when driving to a location on behalf of your employer. For example, if you work for a plumber, you may drive from location to location. Operating heavy machinery, such as a forklift in a warehouse. Severe abrasions may penetrate deeper than the top layer of skin. If not properly cleaned and cared for, it can lead to infection. If you have an abrasion as a result of a work-related accident, you are entitled to seek medical attention. Workers’ Compensation Can Help You You should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim if you have suffered a work-related abrasion. Filing a claim can help you get the medical care you need. You can obtain a list of doctors who can treat your injury for free. There are many benefits that are offered through workers’ compensation. However, all benefits may not be made available to you for an abrasion. Lost wages. If you are left unable to work due to your injury, surgery, and rehabilitation you may meet the requirements for partial compensation of your lost wages. Medical costs. Workers’ compensation may be able to help you with the cost of medical care. Workers’ compensation can assist you with the unforeseen medical costs such as prescriptions, hospitalization, surgery, skin graft, and follow-up visitations. Get Legal Help – Know Your Rights It’s important that you know your legal rights. Although an abrasion may not be the most serious injury a person can receive, you are still entitled to medical care if it happened on the job. Proper medical care can help prevent infection. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you learn about your rights and answer any questions that you may have. It’s important that you know your rights under workers’ compensation laws. If you’ve received any documents from your employer or their insurance company, please speak with a workers’ compensation attorney before you sign it. You may be signing away your right to sue or your right to other benefits.
