Cuts can happen in a wide variety of job-related scenarios, and sometimes lacerations are bad enough that you need workers’ compensation benefits to help you heal and get back to work. Cuts are particularly dangerous when there is a threat of infection or significant blood loss.
IMPORTANT: Even in a situation where your injury doesn’t seem severe, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper wound care. Also, when you get treatment from a doctor or other medical provider, be sure to let them know that you were hurt on the job. This is very important for your workers’ compensation claim. Georgia workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and wage-replacement benefits.
Suffer a cut at work? Get your tetanus shot and guard against other infections
If you suffer a laceration at work, make sure to tell the medical provider whether you have been vaccinated against tetanus in the last five years. If you have not had a tetanus shot in that time, you may need a booster.
A tetanus infection can cause painful symptoms such as jaw cramping, trouble swallowing, changes in your heart rate and blood pressure, and seizures. If left untreated, tetanus can also be fatal, so it’s important to get medical care as soon as you can after a cut on the job.
Staph infections are another concern, particularly for nurses, daycare providers, correctional officers, veterinary workers, pet groomers and others who work in a medical setting or in a place where bacteria is common. Staph infections can be life-threatening, so if you experience even a small cut at work, it’s important to guard against infections.
Getting care for major lacerations
If a vein or artery is hit, there is a real risk of losing a lot of blood very quickly. You or your team should call 911 immediately if you have been cut and are bleeding heavily. You should also watch for signs of internal bleeding below the surface, such as heavy bruising around a puncture wound.
Remember, Georgia workers’ compensation provides benefits for a wide variety of injuries, including cuts and lacerations that take time to heal. Missing even a few days of work can be costly, so take the proper steps to get the medical care you need after a job-related injury. Be sure to tell your employer that the injury is job-related, and be sure to tell the medical provider that the injury is job-related. Then contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you get all the medical and wage-replacement benefits you need.