Many job duties come with specific risks, some of which include catastrophic injuries like traumatic amputations. These are very serious injuries that can affect a person’s life forever. In some cases, they can be fatal.
When a workplace has risks that include things like traumatic amputations, the employer must ensure they’re taking steps to keep employees protected. They must also have a solid plan for what happens if there’s an injury.
What are risks of a traumatic amputation?
The primary risks for a traumatic amputation include blood loss and shock. These can be significant so emergency care must be prompt. Once the worker gets to the emergency room, the suitability of reattaching the lost limb or digit will be determined.
Traumatic amputations can be complete or partial. A complete amputation means that the severed part is fully separated from the rest of the body. A partial amputation involves some tissue remaining connected at the site of the injury.
Whether the amputated body part is reattached or not, the victim may need to have considerable medical care and therapy after the injury. In some cases, they may not be able to return to their previous job duties or be fully unable to work again. Those can dramatically alter the course of the person’s life.
Workers who suffer any injury on the job should ensure they get immediate medical care, particularly if the injury was catastrophic. Traumatic amputations can lead to considerable time off work, which can lead to financial challenges for the victim. The cost of medical care should be covered by workers’ compensation, and there may be other benefits that are due to the worker. Because these cases are so complex, it’s critical for all workers to have someone on their side to help them fight for those.
