Philadelphia Hand Injury Attorney

If you hurt your hand on the job, the effects can show up immediately in almost every part of your life. You may be dealing with pain, missed work, reduced grip strength, medical treatment, and worry about how you are going to pay your bills. 

At Larry Pitt & Associates, we help injured workers in Philadelphia and across Southeastern Pennsylvania pursue workers’ compensation benefits after serious workplace injuries.

What to Know if You Suffered a Hand Injury at Work in Pennsylvania

If you were injured while doing your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. That can include payment for reasonable and necessary medical care, wage-loss benefits if you miss work, and, in some cases, specific loss benefits for permanent damage involving the hand or fingers. 

Pennsylvania workers generally need to report a work injury promptly, and the law includes a 120-day notice deadline.

Hand injuries are common in many industries and can happen from machinery, tools, falls, blunt force trauma, repetitive motion, chemicals, or unsafe working conditions. Even what looks like a simple injury at first can turn into a serious injury that affects your ability to work, drive, lift, type, or handle everyday tasks.

Common Workplace Hand and Wrist Injuries

A hand injury attorney in Philadelphia often sees cases involving more than cuts and bruises. These injuries can involve bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, and can lead to long-term loss of function.

Common hand and wrist injuries include:

• Lacerations and deep cuts
• Fractures and broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Burns from heat, electricity, or chemicals
• Puncture wounds
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive-use conditions
• Avulsion fractures
• Amputations
• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome from prolonged equipment use

Some workers need immobilization, surgery, physical therapy, or even multiple surgeries. In more severe injuries, the worker may be left with permanent restrictions, ongoing pain, or reduced use of the hand.

Why Workplace Hand Injuries Happen

Many workplace injuries occur when safety rules are ignored or when proper protective gear is not provided. Employers are expected to provide appropriate hand protection when workers are exposed to hazards such as sharp objects, punctures, burns, harmful substances, or temperature extremes.

In real life, we also see hand injuries tied to machine accidents, construction site incidents, falls, and overuse. A car accident while working may also give rise to a personal injury claim against an at-fault party, in addition to a workers’ compensation case, depending on how the injury occurred.

What Benefits May Be Available

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether your case involves only workers’ compensation or additional injury claims. Depending on the facts, benefits or compensation may include:

• Medical expenses and ongoing medical attention
• Lost wages while you are out of work
• Specific loss benefits for permanent hand or finger damage
• Compensation through a personal injury claim if someone other than your employer caused the harm

If a third party caused the injury, a personal injury case may allow recovery for losses not covered by workers’ compensation, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.