Hand and Wrist Injuries at Work in San Antonio - Protecting Yourself and Seeking Compensation

San Antonio TX is a central hub for healthcare, hospitality, and information technology, industries that require a significant amount of time on a computer. While we don’t typically consider these industries dangerous, typing or using a mouse for hours a day can lead to hand and wrist injuries. Accidents in hazardous industries like construction or warehousing can also damage hands, making it difficult to do your job or care for your family.

Hand and wrist injuries can be debilitating. You may require medical care and be out of work for some time. Contact a Central Texas work accident attorney at Carabin Shaw for a free case review to see if you are entitled to compensation for your injury. Our team is available 24/7 at 800-862-1260, with Spanish- and English-speaking professionals on call now.

Hand injuries are the top preventable injury in the workplace, and repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel are the most common. These San Antonio workplace injuries frequently occur to workers who do the same tasks repeatedly, such as typing, painting, or cutting hair. They can be painful and debilitating and often worsen if they are left untreated.

Other hand and wrist injuries might include:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Punctures
• Crush injuries
• Amputations

Hand injuries accounted for the most cases of days away from work between 2021 and 2022. This damage may necessitate time off work and incur significant medical costs. An experienced attorney will help you pursue compensation while you recover.

These steps can minimize your risk for hand and wrist injuries on the job, including:

• Wear protective gloves when appropriate
• Keep wrists straight and supported when performing repetitive tasks
• Do exercises that build flexibility and range of motion in your hands
• Report hand pain to your doctor immediately since early diagnosis prevents long-term damage
• Implement ergonomic changes in your workplace that reduce strain on the hands and wrists

Despite prevention efforts, hand injuries can still occur. Even if you are taking all steps to protect your hands, an unavoidable incident like an equipment malfunction or falling object can result in serious and sometimes permanent injury. If you are injured, contact a San Antonio TX work injury attorney immediately to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

If you injure your hand or wrist at work, you have two options for compensation:

1. Workers’ Compensation

   Texas private companies are not required to carry workers’ compensation, but most do. This insurance protects employees by providing quick compensation for medical bills and lost wages. It also protects employers from lawsuits since employees who collect workers’ comp cannot sue their employer for additional damages. Workers’ compensation benefits include:

   • Medical
   • Temporary income
   • Impairment income
   • Supplemental income
   • Lifetime income

   Even if you have workers’ compensation insurance, navigating the workers’ comp process alone can be challenging. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the paperwork and ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

2. Personal Injury Lawsuit

   If your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance or a third party other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. A third party might be the manufacturer of defective equipment or a subcontractor that created a dangerous environment, contributing to your injury.

   To file a lawsuit against a responsible party, you must prove that the party was negligent and that the negligence directly led to your injury. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney will protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

A hand or wrist injury can result in substantial pain and impact your ability to work. The trusted legal team at Carabin Shaw can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation or legal action. Our reviews from previous clients attest to our ability to maximize compensation for accident victims. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay anything until we win your case. Contact us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Safety and Health Magazine
• Injury Facts
• Arlington Orthopedics Associates
• TDI Texas