Accidents at work can occur in the blink of an eye, whether it’s due to a direct blow or a sudden fall. Depending on the type of accident, you may experience a dislocation injury. A dislocation is a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint. This type of injury is quite common and can be very painful. The severity of the injury and the body part affected play key roles in determining the required treatment and the length of the recovery process. In New York, if you experience this type of injury, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits, providing you with crucial support during your healing journey.
Understanding Dislocation Injuries
A dislocation injury occurs when bones are forcefully displaced from their respective joints. Not only is this type of injury painful, but it can also temporarily deform and immobilize the joint. It’s a condition that can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a fracture. The most common locations for a dislocation are shoulders and fingers, but they can also occur in elbows, knees, hips, and even the jaw. In fact, you probably see these types of injuries a lot more than you realize – shoulder dislocations are an extremely common sports injury as are elbow and knee dislocations – you certainly cannot make it through a football season without seeing such injuries. Yet people do not always think about how the same problem can occur due to a work injury instead of a sports injury. It happens just like that – check out this soccer injury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNOmuFzfkng
Recognizing the Signs of a Dislocation
The most telling sign of a dislocation injury is the abrupt onset of intense pain, which can worsen when attempting to move the affected body part. A dislocation may also cause swelling, bruising, a visible misalignment of bones, tingling or numbness at the joint, and restricted or complete loss of mobility in the affected area. And they can occur so suddenly that you may just feel a pop or strange sensation. The challenge is that the bone is moving out of where it should be – yikes!
Treatment for Dislocation Injuries
If you experience a dislocation, it’s important to get immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage, particularly to blood vessels and nerves. In many cases, a skilled physician can manually manipulate the displaced bones back into their proper positions. This procedure may be performed under local anesthesia or, in some instances, general anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
If manual repositioning is ineffective or the possibility of a recurring dislocation is a concern, surgery becomes necessary. Surgery may also be necessary to repair torn or stretched ligaments, muscles, or tendons. Regardless of the type of treatment you receive, a dislocation injury requires rest and pain medication. The physician may also recommend a splint or sling to keep the joint immobilized during healing. It’s also common to restrict activity temporarily.
Recovery and Workers’ Compensation
Dislocations, especially in major joints, often require post-injury rehabilitation to restore strength and enhance range of motion. It’s important to note that dislocated joints are susceptible to re-injury, so allowing sufficient time for healing is essential. The recovery period varies; while some joints may recover in a few weeks, others, like the hip, may take several months. In cases where surgery is performed, the recovery period may be longer. If the injury forces you to miss work, New York law allows you to seek benefits from workers’ compensation. One of the biggest challenges is that even if you are feeling okay, lifting items, raising your arm over your head, and other motions may be restricted or compromised if you are not fully recovered.
Workers’ Compensation Availability for Dislocations
Workers’ compensation benefits are typically available if the dislocation occurred while you were at work. Though benefits vary, they typically cover medical expenses and a portion of your wages. The amount of cash benefits you can receive depends on your wages and the degree of disability.
During the recovery process, you may return to work with specific restrictions to prevent exacerbating the injury or re-dislocating the joint. If disputes arise concerning the timing of the return to work, if you fail to adhere to restrictions, or if insurers deny or delay workers’ comp benefits, seeking legal counsel may become necessary.
If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Disability Guys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. They can help you understand your rights to benefits and the extent of benefits you are entitled to receive. Call them at (877) 958-8128 to discuss your specific circumstances and gain the support you need during this challenging time.
