What is a degloving injury?
A degloving injury is a severe type of trauma where an extensive section of skin and the tissues directly beneath it, such as fat and muscle, are completely torn away from the underlying structures, like bones and tendons.
The term “degloving” is used because the injury resembles the action of removing a glove, exposing the underlying layers.
What are the most common causes of degloving injuries?
The biggest contributors to degloving injuries are accidents with motor vehicles and machinery, accounting for about 97% of cases in a 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine. Another recent study published in the World Journal of Emergency Surgery had similar findings, reporting that 75% of degloving cases in its study involved motor vehicle accidents.
Workers operating or working near heavy machinery, such as conveyors, presses, or rollers, can suffer degloving injuries if their skin and underlying tissues get caught and are forcefully peeled away from the body.
Similarly, employees who work around motor vehicles, including truck drivers, mechanics, and loaders, are at risk, particularly in scenarios where a limb or body part gets trapped or dragged.
Apart from machinery and vehicle-related incidents, degloving injuries can also occur due to falls from heights, like ladders or scaffolding, leading to severe skin abrasions and tissue damage upon impact with hard surfaces.
Additionally, manual handling of sharp or abrasive materials and tools without adequate protective gear can lead to these traumatic injuries.
Which workers are most likely to experience a degloving injury?
Workers most at risk of degloving injuries include the following:
- Construction workers
- Factory workers, especially those using heavy machinery
- Agricultural workers dealing with machinery like combines and threshers
- Emergency responders, including firefighters and EMTs
- Longshore and dock workers, handling heavy loads and machinery
- Mechanics and automotive repair technicians
- Garbage collectors and recycling workers
- Miners, particularly those working with drilling equipment
- Commercial fishermen, especially when handling nets and winches
- Print and press operators, due to machinery with rotating parts
Am I entitled to workers’ comp after a degloving injury?
Yes, if you suffer a degloving injury while performing your job duties, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina as long as you’re classified as an employee (not an independent contractor). Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance, which means that, in most cases, eligible workers are entitled to benefits even if they were responsible for causing their injury.
Workers’ comp benefits typically cover medical expenses related to the injury, a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work, and vocational rehabilitation, if necessary. Family members may also be entitled to death benefits if a worker dies as a result of their injuries.
What steps do I need to take to file a workers’ comp claim after a degloving injury in NC?
If you’ve suffered a degloving injury at work in North Carolina, follow these steps to file a workers’ compensation claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Prioritize your health and safety by getting medical treatment as soon as possible. Inform the health care provider that your injury is work-related.
- Notify your employer. Report the injury to your employer immediately, but no later than 30 days after the accident. Provide a written notice detailing the incident, the date, and the type of injury sustained.
- File a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Complete Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee, Representative, or Dependent) and submit it to the NCIC. This form can be submitted online or by mail. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.
- Follow medical advice. Follow all treatment plans and attend all medical appointments. Compliance with medical advice is crucial for your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim.
Before accepting a settlement offer from your employer’s insurance company, you may want to consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney, especially if you suffered a serious degloving injury that will require extensive medical treatment or prevent you from returning to work.
An attorney can give you an estimate of the value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get maximum compensation.
Have questions? Contact our workers’ compensation attorneys today!
If you or a loved one suffered a serious degloving injury at work, finding the right legal representation is crucial. The experienced work attorneys at Wilder Pantazis Law Group are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a severe injury can have on your life, and we’re committed to fighting for the benefits and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you on your road to recovery.
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