Wrist injuries can range from minor sprains to more serious fractures and can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks. If you have sustained a wrist injury and believe it was the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
This article will provide an overview of the process for suing for wrist injury compensation in the USA, including information on the most common causes and types of wrist injuries, how to claim workers compensation for wrist injuries, and the process for calculating and pursuing a wrist injury claim.
Most Common Wrist Injuries
Some of the most common wrist injuries include:
- Sprains and strains: These injuries occur when the ligaments or muscles in the wrist are stretched or torn.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in a bone. In the case of a wrist injury, a fracture may occur in one or more of the bones in the wrist.
- Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when the bones in the wrist are forced out of their normal position.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition in which the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. This can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist.
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, which can cause pain and difficulty using the wrist.
Most Common Causes of Wrist Injuries
There are many potential causes of wrist injuries, including:
- Trauma: Wrist injuries can occur as a result of accidents, falls, or other types of trauma.
- Overuse: Repetitive movements or activities can lead to overuse injuries in the wrist.
- Degenerative conditions: As we age, the wrist joint can become weakened or damaged due to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be more prone to wrist injuries due to genetic factors.
Wrist Injuries at Work
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most common workplace injuries involving the wrist are sprains and strains. These types of injuries can occur due to slipping, tripping, or falling, or due to lifting or carrying heavy objects. The industries with the highest rates of wrist injuries at work include construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Claiming Workers Compensation for Wrist Injuries
If you have sustained a wrist injury while on the job, you may be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. Workers compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial assistance to employees who are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness.
In most cases, workers compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
To claim workers compensation for a wrist injury, you will need to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer is required to report the injury to the workers compensation insurance carrier, which will then investigate the claim. If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
If you are unable to work due to your wrist injury, you may also be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits are designed to cover a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work.
Occupations Most at Risk of Wrist Injuries
Certain occupations are more prone to wrist injuries due to the nature of the work or the types of tasks involved. Some occupations that may be at higher risk of wrist injuries include:
- Construction workers: The physical work or the types of tasks involved with construction work, including lifting and carrying heavy objects, can lead to wrist injuries.
- Manufacturing workers: The repetitive nature of some manufacturing tasks can lead to overuse injuries in the wrist.
- Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers may be at risk of wrist injuries due to the physical demands of the job, such as lifting and transferring patients.
- Athletes: Athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of hand and wrist movement, such as tennis or golf, may be at risk of wrist injuries due to the strain placed on the joint.
- Musicians: Musicians who play instruments that require frequent use of the wrist, such as guitar or piano, may be at risk of wrist injuries due to the repetitive movements involved.
Wrist Injury Claims from Car and Road Accidents
If you have sustained a wrist injury in a car or road accident, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. This includes accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles. In order to file a claim, you will need to show that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
If the accident was caused by another driver, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
If you were injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you may be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company if you have personal injury protection coverage.
How Wrist Injury Claims are Calculated
The amount of compensation you may be able to receive for a wrist injury will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury, the impact the injury has had on your quality of life, and the amount of medical expenses you have incurred.
In some cases, you may be able to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, prescription medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injury, you may be able to receive compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced as a result of your injury.
- Future medical expenses: If you are expected to incur additional medical expenses as a result of your injury, you may be able to receive compensation to cover these costs.
Wrist Injury Claim Time Limits
In most states, you have a certain amount of time to file a claim for compensation after you have sustained a wrist injury. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state, so it is important to check the laws in your state.
- In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury.
- In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury or, in some cases, the date that the injury was discovered.
- In Florida, the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the injury.
Note: These are general guides and there can be exceptions (longer or shorter limits) so it’s recommended you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Attorney Hawk can help you seek justice by matching you to a vetted personal injury expert.
Other Commonly Asked Questions About Wrist Injury Compensation
Here are some answers to other commonly asked questions about wrist injury compensation:
- Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for my injury?
In some states, you may still be able to file a claim for compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injury. This is known as a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that the amount of compensation you are awarded may be reduced based on your level of responsibility for the injury.
- Can I file a claim if I was injured on someone else’s property?
If you were injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence or failure to maintain the property in a safe condition, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. This is known as a premises liability claim.
- Can I file a claim if I was injured in a slip and fall accident?
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious wrist injuries. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
In conclusion, if you have sustained a wrist injury and believe it was the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
It is important to understand the process for suing for wrist injury compensation, including the most common causes and types of wrist injuries, how to claim workers compensation for a wrist injury, and the factors that may impact the amount of compensation you are awarded. It is also important to be aware of the time limits for filing a claim, as the statute of limitations varies by state.