Work-related injuries are common. However, some professions are considered more dangerous than others and when you work in one of those industries, work accidents and injuries are much more likely to occur. One of the more dangerous professions involves logging. If you have been injured while using a skidder at work, you should be able to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation offers medical benefits and covers about two-thirds the value of the injured workers' salary. If you are unable to return to the same job, workers' comp might cover the cost of vocational retraining so you can re-enter the workforce. What is a Skidder? Skidders are important pieces of equipment in the logging industry. A heavy vehicle, a skidder is used in logging operations to pull trees that have been cut out of the forest. The removal process is referred to as skidding. The logs are then transported from the forest to a landing where they are loaded onto trucks then sent to the mill. Skidders use a winch or cable to pull trees. The skidder's cable is reeled out then attached to the cut timber and to pull it using the winch to pull it forward to the skidder. Injuries Sustained from Using a Skidder A skidder is a large piece of heavy equipment that plays a major role in the logging industry. There are serious risks with using a skidder. There are multiple risks, such as the machine overturning, logs being dropped or falling, and being hit by falling trees or other large machinery. Here are some injuries that might result from using a skidder: Broken bones Crushed bones Traumatic brain injury Spinal injuries Paralysis Amputations Internal injuries Death Being injured while using a skidder can be life-changing. The injuries can lead to the need for long-term medical care or result in life-long disabilities. The injured worker might be unable to work for months or never return to the same job. Workers' compensation benefits can help provide the financial resources needed during the time after a work-related accident. Medical bills can add up fast, and after a skidder accident you could face tens of thousands of dollars of medical bills. Medical care might involve hospitalizations, surgical procedures, prescription medications, visits to specialists, physical therapy, and many other medical services. Consult with a Workers' Compensation Attorney if you have suffered injuries while using a skidder on the job, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney. An attorney can help you throughout the process from initially filing your claim to either getting benefits started or reinstated. If your claim has been denied or your benefits have been stopped abruptly, your workers' comp attorney can help you get back on track with your claim and benefits. Workers' comp claims are complicated, so you need experienced legal counsel on your side. Schedule a free initial case evaluation with a workers' compensation attorney today so you can get your claim on track.
