Many people have trapped a finger in a door or accidentally hit the tip of their finger with a hammer. While excruciating, the pain tends to subside quite quickly.
In manual working environments, such events occur on a regular basis and the consequences can be much more severe. Through the use of sharp tools and heavy machinery, a work-related finger injury can be very serious, and here’s why.
Bones can fracture
The bones in the fingers can be quite delicate and a work-related accident could result in fractures and dislocations. Fractures and dislocations can take several weeks or months to recover, and potentially longer in serious cases.
Crushing accidents can result in multiple fingers being broken in multiple places. Simply put, a person cannot function day-to-day without the use of their fingers, let alone work.
Nerve and soft tissue damage
The fingers are full of sensitive nerve endings. The movement of the hand and fingers is comprehensive, and it relies on the sensitivity that the nerves provide. Damage to any of the nerves in the hand or fingers can result in loss of feeling and mobility.
Amputations
Up to 45,000 people in America lose a finger every year. Many of these amputations are the result of workplace accidents. Losing a finger changes an individual’s life for good. This doesn’t mean that the person cannot be happy, but it could mean that they may no longer be able to do the job that they are qualified for.
If your injury was work-related then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options.