When you think of a serious injury, you likely do not first consider cuts. After all, many cuts are relatively minor and might only require some first aid to heal. Many people do not need professional medical help or emergency treatment for cuts or lacerations. On the other hand, cuts and lacerations can be very serious and might need immediate medical attention. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you might need stitches or medical intervention for a cut or laceration. If you suffered your injury on the job, it is always worth it to get your cut or laceration professionally cleaned and assessed by a medical professional. This can prevent infection, limit scarring, and speed up the healing process. If you believe you need medical attention for a cut or laceration, your employer's workers' compensation insurance should cover your medical expenses and other injury-related losses. If your laceration was more severe, you might deserve disability benefits. You should ensure that your wound is stabilized and then speak with a Missouri workers' compensation cuts and lacerations lawyer at The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton.
A laceration is a tear of the skin, commonly referred to as a "cut." Lacerations can happen anywhere on the body - usually from contact with a blade or another sharp object. Some common causes of lacerations at work include:
Even a piece of paper can slice your finger and cause a laceration, though cuts from serious falls or equipment-related accidents can be significantly more severe.
Depending on the location and the severity of the laceration, it can often affect more than just the skin. Some possible complications from lacerations include:
In many cases, a laceration will need stitches, sutures, or medical adhesive to close the wound, though you only have a few hours during which you can get such treatment. In cases of serious lacerations, you might need surgery to repair tissue or organs underneath the skin.
Cuts and lacerations can be as minor as a paper cut, though they can also cause impairments, disfigurement, and might even be fatal in some cases. The workers' compensation attorneys at The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton help clients obtain the benefits they need after this type of injury. To reach our Springfield office, call 417-890-4600 or call our Joplin office at 417-781-5690. You can also reach out to our team online, and someone will be in touch with you shortly.