Broken bones and fractures are common workplace injuries, especially in the construction industry due to the physical nature of the work. Broken bones can result in significant medical expenses as well as lost time from work. Fractures can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to heal, depending upon the severity of the break.
Treatment for broken bones depends upon the location of and, again, on the severity of the break. For stable bone fractures, plastic or fiberglass casts are used to keep the bone in the correct position so that it can properly heal. However, in the case of shattered bones, severe fractures, or multiple breaks, surgery may be required to help fuse bones back together. In some cases, the fracture(s) can also affect other parts of the body — muscles, organs, and nerves — which would then require additional and more specialized treatment.
The bottom line — the more severe the injury, the more costly the medical treatment and the increased likelihood that there will be a temporary or permanent impact on your future earning potential. Workers’ comp for broken bones helps to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, and loss of future earnings.
The good news is that workers’ compensation claims for broken bones are easier to prove and result in fewer disputes vs. other types of injuries. X-ray images are compelling evidence as to the type and extent of the injury. However, the insurance company may refuse to provide fair compensation for your injuries. At Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center, we will ensure that your best interests are represented and that you not only receive proper medical care and treatment but the financial compensation that you are due.
Your job
The recovery time for a bone fracture(s) can vary depending on the severity and the type of treatment involved. Workers comp for broken bones will cover medical expenses and a percentage of your salary while you’re recovering. Additionally, the state provides disability benefits on a temporary or permanent basis.
If your injury is more severe, it could result in long-term problems which could have a permanent impact on your ability to return to the type of employment that you were originally trained in and could, therefore, affect your future earning potential. If this is the case, then you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Your first step should be to speak with a workers’ comp attorney at Gold Country WorkersComp Center. We can advise you on the different types of disability benefits so that you can make an informed decision about the best way to file. You may be surprised by what the Workers’ Compensation system covers.
You need not be on your employer’s property to be covered. Under many circumstances, you don’t even need to be performing work for your employer at the time of injury in order to be covered. If you are injured on a business trip or in transit to or from something that benefited your employer in any way, you should be covered even if not performing job duties at the time of the injury.
If you are asked to stay or live somewhere that is owned or managed by your employer, even for a brief period of time, you should be covered whether you are performing work for your employer or not at the time of your injury.
Your rights
Broken bone injuries can cause you to miss time at work and can have many negative consequences. If the fracture is severe, surgery will more than likely be required to repair and/or realign the bone(s), resulting in a more lengthy recovery time. Furthermore, your ability to perform your job and other types of everyday activities in the future may be temporarily or permanently affected.
Getting an attorney involved early in the workers’compensation claim process is critical. Early intervention works. There are no extra costs involved and the initial consultation is free. The staff at Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center have extensive experience dealing with the workers’ comp system. Call us today for your free consultation.
