Lost a Limb at Work?

• Sep 28, 2021
• Blog
• Michael Burgis & Associates, P.C

Have you or a loved one suffered a work injury and lost a limb? If so, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including prostheses.

Many individuals in this challenging situation do not know that they may be entitled to not just one but multiple prostheses. At our firm, this is something we strive to help our clients with.

We’ll look at how the law functions concerning the loss of a limb on the job. We’ll also discuss what you should expect when it comes to compensated prostheses.

Industrial Injuries Involving the Loss of a Limb

Various occupations make it possible for workers to lose a limb on the job. The law is here to provide those injured with anything necessary to cure or relieve their pain, suffering, and further challenges. In other words, for someone who’s lost a limb, it’s not just one prosthetic they can be supplied with; it’s multiple prosthetics. For example, imagine you could get not just one prosthetic for daily walking, but an additional prosthetic that is more for aesthetic purposes.

Discussing what exactly is necessary for prosthetics is essential because we know that clients in this situation face multiple challenges. It all depends on the unique circumstances and needs of the client.

At our firm, at the very least, we argue and advocate for our clients to get a functional prosthetic (for running and walking) and an aesthetic prosthetic. In some cases, we can even get motorized prosthetics for above-the-knee amputations.

Aesthetic Prostheses

In the case of aesthetic prostheses, these are color matched with the individual’s skin tone. They’ll have nails and even hairs in them, which match the individual’s other leg. Sometimes, we can even advocate for additional aesthetic prostheses that will match the individual’s skin tone as it varies throughout the year. For example, someone might get quite tan in the summer and require a darker-colored prosthesis to match the rest of their body.

Essentially, aesthetic prostheses provide individuals with the ability to go out into the world with more confidence. The purpose is to give those with a missing limb more self-assurance and peace of mind. The realism of their artificial limb will limit uncomfortable staring or gawking from others. In our experience, providing an aesthetic prosthetic can help alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety.

Having the appropriate prostheses when you’ve lost a limb is one of the best ways to help bring your confidence back. The loss of a limb is a genuine struggle, not just physically but also emotionally and mentally.

Backup Prostheses

As stated above, our firm aims to help those who have lost a limb achieve just what they need for functionality, comfort, and peace of mind. In some cases, this means the necessity of multiple prostheses as backups. 

We often make the argument that our clients should have two of each kind of prosthetic limb. That way, when one is being repaired or replaced, they’ll have a backup.

Contact Us for More Information

If you or someone you know lost a limb at work,  know that we are here to help, and we will advocate for your rights. Contact us at (888) BURGIS1 to learn more.