Pursuing Compensation for “Degloving” Accidents in Chicago Workplaces

Degloving accidents represent some of the worst injuries imaginable for Chicago workers. These injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement and disability for workers, and virtually anyone could be affected. How does one pursue compensation for this type of injury? Could a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago help you recover the financial support you need for lost wages, medical bills, and more?

What Is “Degloving?” 

Degloving occurs when some kind of accident rips layers of skin and soft tissue away from the muscle and connective tissues. Despite their name, the most common types of degloving accidents do not affect the hands. Instead, WebMD states that the most common degloving accidents affect the legs, torso, and scalp. This is called a “degloving” injury because it is like removing the “glove” of the skin. Severe degloving accidents can leave the bones exposed.

Degloving is associated with severe levels of pain and blood loss. Victims might also experience shock, tissue death, and severe lacerations.

How Do Degloving Accidents Happen?

In the workplace, degloving accidents often involve machinery and equipment. These are classic examples of “caught between” accidents. A factory worker might suffer a degloving accident after getting caught in a conveyor belt. Various other types of machinery can rip away layers of skin and soft tissue.

Another type of degloving accident might involve a vehicle running over someone’s foot. These accidents can be particularly dangerous if the driver slams on the brakes while running over the victim’s foot. In this situation, the friction of the immobile tire can rub against the foot, tearing away layers of skin and causing a degloving injury.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for a Degloving Accident at Work? 

If you suffered a degloving injury at work, you may face various medical bills. Doctors try to save as much skin as possible in this situation, but tissue death can be a real issue. Even though your skin might still be attached in a loose flap, it loses its blood supply and dies relatively quickly.

Sometimes, degloving accidents lead to amputations. Surgery may also be possible without amputating the limb.

The bottom line is that these procedures can be expensive, and your injuries may affect your career. In severe cases, you may never be able to work again.

A workers’ compensation claim can provide you with enough to cover your medical bills and your lost wages. It might also provide additional benefits in the form of vocational rehabilitation. Speak with an experienced Chicago workers’ comp lawyer to learn more.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help With Degloving Accidents?

Only medical professionals can help you heal from a degloving accident. If you have experienced this firsthand, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. From there, consider speaking with a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights. You should be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and more. Continue this conversation with Connolly Injury Law today.

Source: 

webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-a-degloving-injury