$260,000 Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Severed Hand Tendon
Settlement for a Union Ironworker Who Lost Grip Strength
Our client, a union ironworker, injured his hand on a piece of rebar while performing his job duties. After medical evaluation, it was determined that he had severed a tendon and needed surgery. Even after surgery, his ability to grip never fully returned to the injured hand.
Because ironworkers often need strong hand function to lift, carry, grip, position, and control heavy materials, the injury seriously affected our client’s ability to work in his trade. Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC secured a $260,000 workers’ compensation settlement on his behalf.
Hand and Tendon Injuries at Construction Sites
Construction workers depend heavily on their hands. Ironworkers, carpenters, electricians, laborers, roofers, plumbers, and other tradespeople may use their hands to lift materials, operate tools, climb, stabilize themselves, handle sharp objects, and work around unfinished structures. A serious hand injury can interfere with both work and daily life.
A severed tendon can be especially disabling. MedlinePlus explains that tendon repair is surgery to repair damaged or torn tendons, and that the goal of the procedure is to bring back normal function of joints or surrounding tissues after a tendon injury or tear.
Even with surgery and therapy, some workers continue to experience stiffness, pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, scar tissue, or partial loss of function. For a union ironworker, reduced grip strength can affect the ability to safely handle rebar, tools, beams, equipment, and other heavy construction materials.
Construction Accident Hazards
Construction sites can expose workers to many different hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies the construction “Focus Four” hazards as falls, caught-in or caught-between accidents, struck-by accidents, and electrocution. These hazards are not the only risks on a jobsite, but they are among the most serious.
Depending on the facts, a construction injury may support a workers’ compensation claim. In some cases, the injured worker may also have a separate construction accident claim against a third party, such as a contractor, subcontractor, property owner, equipment provider, or product manufacturer.
Common Causes of Construction Injuries
Construction injuries can happen in many ways, including:
- Falls: Workers may fall from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, beams, unfinished floors, lifts, stairs, or other elevated areas.
- Sharp materials: Rebar, sheet metal, broken materials, tools, and exposed edges can cut the hand, wrist, arm, or other body parts.
- Falling debris: Tools, beams, building materials, or construction debris may fall from above and injure workers below.
- Collapses: Buildings, trenches, scaffolds, walls, or partially completed structures may collapse and trap or crush workers.
- Explosions and fires: Flammable chemicals, exposed wiring, gas leaks, and unsafe work conditions can cause burns or fatal injuries.
- Machinery and tools: Nail guns, saws, jackhammers, cranes, forklifts, dump trucks, and other equipment can cause severe injury when misused, poorly maintained, or defective.
- Vehicle accidents: Workers may be struck by trucks, construction vehicles, or drivers passing through or near work zones.
- Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring, power lines, temporary electrical systems, or unsafe grounding may cause shock, burns, falls, or death.
- Trips and falls: Loose materials, cords, tools, uneven surfaces, and debris can create trip hazards throughout a jobsite.
Legal Help After a Construction Work Injury
Work-related construction injuries can involve medical treatment, surgery, therapy, permanent restrictions, lost time from work, settlement negotiations, and disputes over the worker’s future ability to earn a living. When a hand injury affects grip strength, the long-term consequences may be especially serious for a skilled tradesperson.
Since 1990, Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC has represented injured workers and construction accident victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury at work, call 312-243-9922 or contact us for a free case evaluation.
