Can You File a Claim for a Hand Injury at Work?

A trusted New York workers’ comp attorney can guide you through the process

Hand injuries are very common in the workplace, especially in physically demanding jobs. Whether you work on a construction site, in a warehouse, or even at a desk, your hands are constantly in motion – lifting, typing, gripping, building, or operating machinery. It’s easy to take your hands for granted until something goes wrong. And when it does, the impact can be life changing.

From painful tendon injuries to broken bones and nerve damage, hand injuries on the job can limit your ability to work, complete basic tasks, or even enjoy your favorite activities off the clock. If you’ve suffered a hand or wrist injury while working in New York, you may be wondering what your next steps should be – and whether workers’ compensation benefits can help you recover. Here’s what you need to know.

Common work-related hand injuries

Hand injuries can range from mild sprains to serious, long-term damage that limits your ability to function. Some of the more common types of hand injuries we see in workplace accidents include:

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears: This common wrist injury often occurs when someone falls on an outstretched hand or experiences repetitive strain (RSI). TFCC tears can cause pain, clicking, and instability on the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist, making tasks like gripping tools or lifting heavy objects difficult.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: Often linked to repetitive motions such as typing, lifting, or twisting, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It can cause swelling, pain, and limited range of motion, making everyday tasks painful.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, often from repetitive motions or poor ergonomic setups. It results in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Fractures and dislocations: Falling objects, machinery accidents, or slips and falls can cause broken fingers, wrists, or dislocated joints. These injuries often require immobilization or surgery.
Lacerations: Cuts from sharp tools or machinery can lead to deep wounds, nerve damage, or even infection if not treated properly.
Crush injuries: Heavy machinery or equipment can cause severe crush injuries that result in extensive tissue damage, bone fractures, or even amputations.
Puncture wounds: Sharp objects or tools can puncture the skin, potentially causing internal damage and a risk of infection.
Sprains and strains: These injuries occur when ligaments or muscles are overstretched or torn, often from overexertion or sudden movements.

Can I file a workers’ compensation claim?

If you’ve suffered a hand injury at work in New York, you’re likely covered under workers’ compensation. This no-fault insurance system is designed to help injured workers get the support they need while they recover. These benefits can provide:

Medical expenses: All necessary treatment for your hand injury, doctor visits, surgery, therapy, medication, and follow-ups should be covered.
Lost wages: If your injury forces you to take time off work, you may receive partial wage replacement while you’re out.
Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award: If your hand injury results in permanent loss of function, even after treatment, you could be eligible for a cash benefit based on the extent of your impairment.
Compensation for other injuries: Sometimes, a hand injury happens alongside other injuries, such as hearing loss or facial disfigurement. These may also be compensable under your claim.

What affects your compensation?

Every hand injury is different, which means every workers’ comp claim is unique. The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors, including:

Severity of the injury: More serious injuries usually lead to higher medical costs and more time off work.
Lost work time: If you missed work or can no longer return to your job, you could be entitled to more benefits.
Permanent impairment: If your hand can no longer function the way it did before, you may qualify for an SLU award.

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in New York?

In every state, you have a certain time frame, or statute of limitations, to file a workers’ compensation claim. In New York, you generally have two years from the date of your injury (or the date you discovered the injury) to file. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to collect any benefits, no matter how serious the injury is.

That’s why it’s so important to act quickly. Don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away or hope things get better on their own. Report the injury as soon as possible and get medical attention right away.

Workers’ comp claims involve more than just paperwork. You’ll need to meet deadlines, gather medical documentation, and possibly deal with insurance companies that may push back on your case. A workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through every step of the process, help ensure your claim is filed on time, and advocate for the full benefits you’re entitled to receive.

Get the legal support you deserve after a workplace hand injury

At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, we know how tough it can be to deal with a hand injury, especially when it stops you from doing your job and living your life. We’ve been helping injured workers across New York City for decades, and we know the system inside and out. Whether you’re dealing with a painful TFCC tear, fracture, or any other kind of workplace hand injury, we’re here to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.

Don’t wait to find out if you have a case. Contact us today to learn more. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and stand by your side every step of the way.

“I can’t thank Pasternack Tilker Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP enough for their incredible help in winning my daughter’s case. They were compassionate, knowledgeable, and guided me through every step of the process. Their dedication and expertise made a stressful situation so much easier, and the outcome was life-changing for my family. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance!” – Raul G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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