June 4, 2024 | Accidents

For most people, going to work is part of their day-to-day routine. They don’t expect to experience a life changing injury while at work. It can therefore be devastating to not only suffer a severe injury while at work but also be left grappling with the long-term impact of the injury. Recovering from severe work injuries isn’t just about healing physical wounds. It is a complex journey encompassing a myriad of challenges. Below, we take a look at these injuries and how working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help.

Long-Term Recovery from Severe Work Accidents

The aftermath of a severe work accident can be devastating. This is especially true for those that suffer catastrophic or life-altering injuries. Long-term recoveries can present various issues for workers. These include:

• Loss of income – long term recoveries can mean that the worker may not be able to return to their work in the same capacity or at all. This will mean that the worker will be unable to earn money for this period. Employers may be forced to replace workers if the injury is a life-altering one that prevents the worker from resuming their work.
• Long term medical needs – some severe work injuries require ongoing medical treatment, surgeries or assistive devices to manage long-term complications or prevent further deterioration. Planning for future medical needs can be difficult. It can be difficult to predict the outcome of certain injuries e.g. spinal cord injuries.
• Psychological trauma – severe work accidents that are followed by long-term recoveries often leave lasting psychological scars. Injured workers may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression or even survivor’s guilt. It can be challenging to address these psychological issues.
• Financial strain – the financial burden of long-term recovery can be overwhelming. Medical expenses, lost wages as well as ongoing rehabilitation costs can quickly add up. These expenses place significant strain on the injured individual as well as their loved ones.
• Family and relationship strain – the impact of a severe work accident extends beyond the individual to their loved ones. Family members may assume caregiving responsibilities, experience emotional distress and face challenges in maintaining relationships amidst the stress and upheaval of the recovery process.

Common Severe Work Accidents

Some examples of severe work accidents include:

• Falls from heights
• Machinery accidents
• Electrocution
• Chemical exposure
• Structural collapse
• Transport accidents
• Explosions and fires
• Workplace violence
• Heat stress and cold stress
• Confined space accidents

The Role of Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide financial protection for employees injured on the job. This insurance plays a vital role in supporting long-term recoveries from severe work accidents by providing various benefits including:

• Medical coverage – workers’ compensation typically covers the cost of medical treatment related to the work injury or illness. This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation services and medical devices.
• Income replacement – workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits to compensate for lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability resulting from work-related injury or illness.
• Vocational rehabilitation – in cases where the injured worker is unable to return to their previous job due to a severe injury or physical limitations, workers’ compensation may cover the cost of vacation rehabilitation services to help them transition to alternative employment opportunities. This may include job training, skills assessment, career counseling and job placement assistance.
• Permanent disability benefits – for workers who sustain permanent impairments or disabilities as a result of a severe work accident, workers’ compensation may provide permanent disability benefits to compensate them for the loss of earning capacity and the long –term impact on their quality of life.

Work with The Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at High & Younes LLC

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex especially when dealing with long term recovery. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at High & Younes LLC can help.

• Legal guidance and advice

Our experienced attorneys can provide comprehensive legal guidance and advice throughout the workers’ compensation claims process. We will help you understand your rights, navigate complex legal procedures and make informed decisions about your case.

• Gathering evidence

We can assist you in gathering evidence to support your claim. This includes medical records, accident reports, witness statements and other documentation necessary to substantiate the extent of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

• Negotiating with insurance companies

Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. We will advocate for fair compensation and ensure that the insurance company does not undervalue or deny your claim.

• Maximizing benefits

Our attorneys will work to maximize the benefits available to you. We will work to identify and pursue available benefits such as medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, permanent disability and other forms of financial assistance.

• Appealing denied claims

If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or is being disputed by the insurance company, we can help file an appeal. We will represent you in administrative hearings or court proceedings to challenge the denial and seek a favorable outcome.

If you have sustained a severe workplace injury requiring long-term recovery, don’t hesitate to contact High & Younes LLC in Omaha at 402-933-3345.

Severe Work Accidents