Breaking a bone at work can have both immediate and long-term consequences. In the short term, the injury can be pretty painful. Depending on which bones were broken, it could also force you to miss work while you heal. Broken bones could even permanently impact your mobility and quality of life. You need to know that you can provide for yourself if this happens to you.
Suppose you have suffered a broken bone at work. In that case, the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can help you maximize the benefits you need to cover medical expenses and lost wages. We have more than 20 years of experience helping injured workers and have recovered more than $220 million for these clients. In addition, our lawyers can protect your rights and help you pursue the workers’ comp benefits you are owed. Contact our office today for a free case review.
Which Workers Are Most at Risk of Suffering Bone Fractures?
While workers across various industries are at risk of suffering from broken bones on the job, some workers are more likely to suffer a bone fracture injury, including:
- Construction workers
- Taxi and rideshare drivers
- Truck drivers
- Delivery drivers
- Restaurant workers
- Healthcare workers
- Warehouse workers
- Office workers
What Are Common Causes of Broken Bones at the Workplace?
The most common causes of broken bones on the job include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Workers who drive as part of their job duties get in accidents and suffer broken bones and will likely be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Hazardous conditions at work, including rainy or icy parking lots and garages, poorly maintained sidewalks, water on a slippery floor, freshly waxed floors, poorly maintained handrails, and construction debris, can cause a worker to lose their balance and fall. When they slip and fall, it often results in broken bones.
- Falling objects – Falling objects are not uncommon on construction sites. Being struck by a falling object can cause broken bones, including skull fractures if a worker is hit on the head. A falling thing can also crush the hands or feet, potentially leading to a workers’ comp settlement for a broken foot, toe, or finger.
- Contact with machinery – If workers stumble, fall, or are pushed into heavy machinery, they could suffer broken bones and other serious injuries. A worker caught in heavy industrial equipment is likely to have broken bones.
- Repetitive motion injuries – Repeatedly performing the same task or motion over time can lead to hairline cracks in bones, an injury known as a stress fracture.
What Are Common Types of Bone Fractures?
There are various types of bone fractures that we see in the cases we handle, such as:
- Compound or open fractures – A compound or open fracture occurs when part of the broken bone pierces the skin. These fractures can be especially painful and traumatic and lead to emotional distress. An open fracture requires immediate medical treatment to reduce infection and ensure the bone sets properly.
- Closed fractures – If a bone fractures but none of the pieces break the skin, it is a closed fracture. Closed bone fractures can still be extremely painful and cause severe bruising and swelling. However, there is a reduced risk of infection if the bone doesn’t pierce the skin.
- Complete fractures – When a bone breaks cleanly into two or more pieces, the injury is called a complete fracture. An incomplete fracture is when a bone cracks but does not fully break. Complete fractures need to be treated carefully so that the bone sets appropriately, reducing the chance of any potential long-term complications.
- Displaced fractures – Sometimes, when a bone breaks, it splits and causes the pieces to be misaligned. When this happens, it is known as a displaced fracture. These injuries frequently require surgery to install hardware that ensures the fracture heals correctly.
- Comminuted fractures – In some cases, a bone will break at multiple points, requiring the pieces to be fitted back together. These comminuted fractures usually require surgery and medical device installation, so the pieces knit together correctly.
- Stress fractures – Overexertion, repetitive motions, overuse, or specific sports injuries can cause tiny cracks in the bones. These injuries are often referred to as stress fractures.
What Are the Most Commonly Broken Bones?
There are more than 200 bones in the human body, all of which can break. However, work-related injuries often result in breaks to specific bones.
The most commonly broken bones in workplace injuries include:
Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation for a Bone Injury?
If you suffered a broken bone on company property or while performing a work-related activity, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Of course, the exact compensation for a broken bone will depend on the circumstances. But according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), these benefits include:
- Medical benefits – Your employer must cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injuries, either until you fully recover or reach the point where further treatment will not meaningfully improve your recovery.
- Disability benefits – If your injuries cause you to miss more than seven days of work, you are entitled to disability benefits. These benefits are set at two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a limit set by state law.
- Specific loss benefits – If your injuries have permanently cost you the use of a body part, you may be entitled to additional disability benefits for a certain number of weeks, depending on the injury.
Suffered a Bone Fracture at Work? Talk to Our Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorneys in Harrisburg, PA Now
If you suffered a bone fracture at work, our experienced workers’ comp attorneys in Harrisburg are here to help. We’re committed to helping you get the benefits you need and deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
