Fractures or broken bones are relatively common workplace injuries. Almost anyone could fall while working. Even a same-level fall caused by slipping or tripping could be enough to break a bone. Vehicle crashes, accidental contact with machinery and a host of other unexpected incidents can lead to workers on the clock breaking bones.
While employees may recognize that they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a fracture, they may underestimate the risk of conflict regarding their claim. What aspects of a fracture-related workers’ compensation claim could lead to challenges?
Addressing limitations
Workers in the service sector and in blue-collar careers may not be able to work with a broken bone. They may require light-duty job functions from their employers in some cases or disability benefits in others.
Other times, they may require a leave of absence until their bone heals and they can return to their usual job functions. Fractures can take anywhere from eight weeks to multiple months to properly heal, and workers may require multiple weeks after that to regain lost function through physical or occupational therapy.
Arranging for proper treatment
Securing adequate medical care after a fracture generally requires transportation to an outside medical facility. In cases involving comminuted or open fractures that are especially severe, the worker may need to undergo emergency surgery. After they heal, as noted, they may require therapy to address their functional limitations. In some cases, fractures may lead to disputes about care needs and costs.
Workers with injuries that require medical treatment may need legal guidance in navigating a workers’ compensation claim. Reviewing the injury, the treatment plan and the worker’s job functions can make it easier for workers to pursue the benefits they need and avoid common workers’ compensation pitfalls.
