An assortment of risks and injuries face workers within any industry whether manufacturing, transportation, retail, restaurant, agriculture or construction. Some of these workplace injuries may be so severe that surgery is the only option.
Injured workers must carefully weigh this option. However, if they do not choose this route, they may find that they are unable to function in everyday life activities let alone work. A workplace injury entitles you to pursue a workers’ compensation claim, and some of those claims may entail having surgery.
Spinal, knee and traumatic brain injuries
Among the more common medical procedures stemming from a workplace accident include surgeries related to:
- The spine and back: Spinal fusion may be necessary, connecting vertebrae to improve stability and decrease pain. Herniated or bulging discs may also need treatment to minimize back pain.
- Carpal tunnel injuries: Repetitive motion on the job may lead to such an injury to office, manufacturing, retail, restaurant and airport workers.
- Knee injuries: The bending and lifting of heavy objects place great strain on the knees, as does remaining on your feet for a significant amount of time. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage may happen, too.
- Ankle injuries: Slips and falls may lead to fractures of the ankle as well as legs.
- Shoulder/rotator cuff: A dislocated shoulder may lead to painful fractures as well as nerve, muscle and artery damage. A torn rotator cuff – comprised of tendons – may be caused by a fall or repetitive motion.
- Traumatic brain injury: A steep fall may lead to skull fractures and even neurosurgery. Construction workers often sustain such injuries.
- Burns: Burn injuries may lead to reconstructive surgery, skin grafts and even amputation.
Recovery depends on the success of the surgery. Getting the required rest and physical therapy is essential.
Seek workers’ comp benefits
Accidents on the job often happen due to mistakes made by employers that fail to properly train their workers or do not provide the necessary equipment to protect them. If injured on the job, you deserve workers’ compensation benefits to help pay for medical costs and lost wages.
