As you lose a part of your body, something in you also dies. Despair cripples you as you question why tragedy had to strike when you were only trying to put in a hard day’s work for your loved ones.
Amputation in the workplace happens when a worker incurs injuries so severe that surgical removal of their legs, arms, feet, hands, toes, fingers and any other body part is necessary. An amputation injury is a physical catastrophic injury that leaves you with a permanent disability preventing you from performing productive work.
Causes of work-related amputation accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reveals that workplace accidents lead to amputation primarily because workers operate unguarded or poorly secured equipment. Some of these machineries include, but are not limited to:
- Conveyors
- Band saws
- Power presses
- Drill presses
- Milling machines
- Meat grinders
- Food slicers
Accordingly, OSHA warns that all kinds of mechanical motion – rotating, reciprocating, transversing, cutting, punching, shearing and bending – present workplace hazards.
Although OSHA has safety standards for your and your company’s compliance, the sheer size and weight of the equipment you handle pose inherent risks. Such threats occur not only during operation, but may also happen during preparation, cleaning and maintenance.
Compensation for work-related amputation accidents
Amputation accidents are substantially expensive because they entail medical treatment and care for the remainder of your life. This new reality all the more drives you to seek compensation. As a modified comparative negligence state, Georgia law imposes that you must be less than 50% responsible to recover damages.
So, if you think your agreement with the liable party’s insurance company is fair, then settlement may be quicker than expected. But if not, your case goes to trial. Further, you may also be eligible for workers’ compensation. Under Georgia law, you must report the incident to your supervisor within 30 days from the accident’s date. You also have only a year from the accident to pursue your claim.
A survivor’s recovery plan
An amputation disrupts your life in ways you never imagined possible. As a massive catastrophe requiring long-term care, it also impacts your loved ones. As you try regaining your life back, know that a legal team can be with you to ease the suffering and lead you to full and fair compensation.