The last thing anyone expects is to experience an arm, wrist, finger or hand injury or other musculoskeletal issue at work. Sadly, recent statistics show that roughly one million workers per year in a variety of public and private sectors are treated in an emergency room for acute and traumatic hand injuries due to job-related activities. When these injuries happen, Workers Compensation insurance benefits are a welcome blessing.
Rather than the injured worker paying for everything, Workers Compensation is designed to step in to cover things like orthopedic doctor visits, surgeries, medications, rehab services, lost wages, disability, and other expenses. Unfortunately, not all orthopedic surgeons accept these cases, making it challenging for injured workers to find a participating provider they feel comfortable with who will also navigate the insurance process and get them the expert care they need now to heal.
Our skilled and compassionate hand surgeons at Fort Worth Hand Center understand the time and expense of coordinating the necessary care to help you recover from your injuries. Not only do we offer expert diagnosis and treatment of arm, wrist, finger or hand injuries and other musculoskeletal issues, including surgical and conservative measures, but we also accept Workers Compensation cases. This includes handling the administrative burden while coordinating with referring physicians, employers, and insurance companies.
Treating work-related injuries requires specialized knowledge of Workers Compensation regulations. Not all orthopedic doctors are familiar with these aspects, which can limit the number of available providers in your area. We differ from those providers, instead giving you all the support you need to carry on.
Recent statistics show that roughly one million workers per year in a variety of public and private sectors are treated in an emergency room for acute and traumatic hand injuries due to job-related activities.
Have You Experienced Any of These Work-Related Hand Injuries?
- Sprains, strains, and fractures
- Torn cartilage or tendon and ligament damage
- Lacerations and soft-tissue injuries
- Puncture injuries
- Dislocations and separations
- Repetitive strain injuries (i.e., tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Jammed fingers
- Avulsions
- Bites
- Vibration-induced injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Nerve injury
How Does Workers Compensation for Hand Injuries Work?
The Texas Workers Compensation system is a no-fault system, meaning employees are entitled to financial and medical benefits when they are injured or become ill while performing their jobs. Furthermore, the Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) states that each injured employee should be treated with dignity and respect when injured on the job and have access to a fair dispute resolution process and high-quality medical care so they can return to work as soon as their doctor says it is safe to do so.
Most employers are required by law to carry Workers Compensation insurance because injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Industries with the highest workers’ compensation claims generally involve those with physically demanding, hazardous, or high-risk environments. This includes construction, manufacturing, healthcare, utilities, and even the hospitality industry.
That said, it is not uncommon for Workers Compensation claims to come from other industries, including but not limited to retail, general office settings, education, customer service, and financial services.
So, for example, if you’re a construction worker and experience an arm, wrist, finger or hand injury due to a heavy machinery accident, you will want to file a claim and seek help as quickly as possible. While Workers Compensation processes differ slightly from company to company, the general process is as follows:
Step 1: Immediate reporting
It is important to inform your boss or immediate supervisor about the incident and thoroughly document what happened, how and when the injury occurred, and the circumstances involved.
Step 2: A claim is filed
Depending on the severity of the arm, wrist, finger or hand injury, you may need to seek medical care immediately. Either way, the employer must provide the necessary forms and instructions to file a claim and submit it to the company’s Workers Compensation insurance carrier.
Step 3: Medical treatment
If you do not already have a relationship with a participating provider, such as Fort Worth Hand Center, you will likely be directed to an approved list of providers and healthcare professionals. They will assess the injury, provide immediate care, and develop a treatment plan and next steps.
Step 4: Insurance evaluation
While you seek care and healing, your company’s insurance carrier reviews the claim and other supporting documentation to decide whether to approve or deny it. As stated earlier, Workers Compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury, including but not limited to orthopedic doctor visits, surgeries, medications, rehab services, lost wages, disability, and other costs.
Step 5: Return to work and case resolution
Once your orthopedic surgeon deems it safe to return to work, you may resume normal duties. In a nip-and-tuck case with no additional disputes or settlements, the Workers Compensation case is considered closed.
Fort Worth Hand Center Coordinates Care for You
While the step-by-step process above seems highly detailed and involved, the good news is that Fort Worth Hand Center is happy to coordinate. This means all you must worry about is seeking expert care as quickly as possible after the injury and adhering to our treatment plan. Our goal is to minimize the time from injury to care, which could include conservative measures or surgery, depending on your unique needs.
If you need surgery for your arm, wrist, finger or hand injuries, it is important to note that many injuries can be handled with minimally invasive measures. Arthroscopic surgery is performed daily by orthopedic surgeons trained to use a camera and miniaturized instruments the size of a pencil. As a result, procedures are shorter and more precise, require smaller incisions, and promote faster recovery with less post-operative pain. It is predicted that the annual number of arthroscopic procedures in the U.S. is 1.77 million, making it the preferred alternative to open, invasive surgeries that require larger tools and longer incisions through the muscle.
Conditions that can be treated with arthroscopic surgery include the following:
- Fractures and dislocations
- Chronic injuries
- Scarring or tissue overgrowth
- Loose bone fragments
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Injuries that have caused deformities
- Damaged or torn cartilage, ligaments, and tendons
- Bone spurs
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
Surgery for arm, wrist, finger or hand injuries related to Workers Compensation claims can be arranged at these hospitals and emergency rooms throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area through our medical office.
It is predicted that the annual number of arthroscopic procedures in the U.S. is 1.77 million, making it the preferred alternative to open, invasive surgeries that require larger tools and longer incisions through the muscle.
Fort Worth Hand Center Can Help With Workers Compensation Hand Injuries
No one expects to be injured at work. Sadly, it happens to hard-working people all the time. When these unfortunate events occur, you can count on Fort Worth Hand Center to treat you quickly and with expert precision every step of the way. Furthermore, we shoulder the burden of coordinating care regarding your Workers Compensation claim.
From fingertips to elbows, Fort Worth Hand Center offers expert diagnoses of arm, wrist, finger or hand injuries, chronic conditions, and degenerative diseases for patients of all ages. If surgery is your best treatment, our orthopedic physicians operate in state-of-the-art, accredited surgery centers.
To schedule an appointment, call 817-877-3277 or complete the form below. We care about our patients and strive to provide the best care.
Fort Worth Hand Center serves the DFW area, including Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, White Settlement, Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Burleson, Colleyville, Crowley, Dallas, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Euless, Everman, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lakeside, Lake Worth, Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, and all of North Texas.
Prior to starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.