Did you break your toe at work in Paducah, Kentucky? If so, you might be eligible for compensation from a workers’ compensation claim. Broken toes and crushed toes are common workplace injuries, especially when working around heavy equipment and heavy loads. A worker may recover quickly from a broken toe or suffer ongoing pain and be limited in the amount of time he or she can spend on their feet, depending on the severity of the injury. Obtaining a fair workers’ comp settlement can be difficult on your own. A dedicated attorney who knows the workers’ compensation rules can help you prepare a strong claim and demand a fair recovery.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, helping injured Kentuckians is what we do. Our Kentucky Courage attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for our clients to date. We’re prepared to put our experience and resources to work on your behalf. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help with your claim. Contact our firm for a free initial case review with a Paducah, KY, workers’ comp attorney.
What You Need To Do After a Broken Toe at Work in Paducah
If you sustained a broken toe due to a workplace accident in Paducah, KY, you can take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Seek medical care – Your health should be your first priority after any injury. If you needed urgent medical attention when you broke your toe, you should have visited an emergency room or hospital. Be sure to visit a doctor and let them know you are seeking treatment for a work-related injury.
- Notify your employer – You must notify your employer of the work-related broken toe incident as soon as possible. It’s best to notify your employer with a written, dated report of the incident that explains the circumstances. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. If your injury prevents you from delivering the notice yourself, you can have a trusted friend or coworker deliver it on your behalf.
- Collect evidence– Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. You don’t need to prove anyone else was at fault to obtain benefits. However, you will need evidence to prove the injury was work-related. Gather documents such as your medical records, employment agreement, and the names of any coworkers who saw the accident occur.
- Contact a lawyer – A consultation with an attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you are entitled to claim workers’ compensation benefits if you have broken your toe. The Kentucky Labor Cabinet holds all workers’ comp claims to the same standards, whether or not attorneys prepare the claim. Working with an attorney improves your chances of having your initial claim approved and subsequently getting the full settlement you need.
What Is the Workers’ Comp Settlement for a Broken Toe at Work
In Kentucky, workers’ compensation benefits cover all medical care necessitated by your workplace injury, offset a portion of any wages you lose while receiving treatment, and pay you for any long-term disability you suffer. Your physician will determine that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), the point at which additional medical care will not improve your condition.
An injured worker who has reached maximum improvement and still has an impairment that causes a permanent partial loss of wages or inability to work may qualify for permanent disability benefits. A disabled worker will be assigned an impairment rating based on the degree to which the disability affects their life.
Permanent partial disability benefits for a broken toe would be based on the American Medical Association’s Guide to Impairment Ratings. The compensation rate for permanent partial disability claims is 66 2/3 percent of the worker’s average weekly wage. The higher your impairment rating, the larger the settlement you may be eligible to receive.
The calculation of benefits for a workers’ compensation settlement involved multiple factors and can be complicated. It’s helpful to work with an attorney who understands how to apply the formulas and how to protect your interests.
Why Choose Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer for Your Paducah Broken Toe Case?
Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer has the resources and Kentucky Courage to stand up to big insurance companies and demand the best possible outcomes for our clients.
When you hire us, you can expect to work directly with one of our firm’s attorneys. We will evaluate your case and identify all potential sources of compensation. You will get to know your attorney on a first-name basis.
We understand that it takes courage and determination to fight for your rights when insurance companies deny your claim. We’re committed to doing whatever we can to help you get the money you deserve.
What Are the Treatments for a Broken Toe?
When physicians treat broken toes, they typically employ one or more of the following treatment options:
- Medication – Prescribing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs to help with discomfort and swelling in the toe
- “Buddy” taping – Taping the broken toe to an unbroken toe that functions like a splint
- Casting – Encasing the broken toe and other parts of the foot in a cast to keep it immobile
- Surgery – Conducting surgery to insert pins, plates, or screws that immobilize the toe during healing
Main Causes of Crush Injuries in the Workplace
Broken toes can occur in the workplace for numerous reasons, including:
- Dropped heavy equipment
- Pallet-related accidents
- Run-over forklift accidents
- Other transportation accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falls from heights
- Falling tools and materials
- Improper machine usage
Filing a Claim for a Work-Related Broken Toe Injury
When it’s time to file a workers’ comp claim for a broken toe injury, your first step is to complete and submit an Application for Resolution of a Claim. Once you submit an application, your claim will go to the Division of Claims Processing for review. The Division will review your application to be sure you have included all the necessary information, then verify your insurance coverage, and notify your employer of the claim.
Once the Division receives your application, you should get an Acknowledgement Letter confirming the receipt. The Division should then assign your case to an administrative law judge (ALJ), who will schedule a Benefits Review Conference for the claim. The Benefit Review Conference is an informal gathering at which all involved parties, including your employer and the insurer, can discuss the claim and work toward a resolution. While you are not required to have a lawyer representing you, having a lawyer representing you can protect your rights and improve your chances of an acceptable resolution.
How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Broken Toe Case in Paducah
Have you suffered a broken toe at work? Are you having difficulty collecting the workers’ compensation benefits that you believe you are due? If so, get in touch with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer to speak with a workers’ comp attorney in Paducah, KY. We can answer your questions and review your case for free when you contact us for an initial consultation.
