If you’ve been hurt at work and can’t use your hand, you may be wondering if you can get disability for a hand injury. The answer is maybe. It all depends on the severity of your injury and whether or not you can still perform the essential functions of your job.
Can You Get Disability for a Hand Injury?
There are many different types of disabilities that people can suffer from. Some are more visible than others, but all can have a profound effect on a person’s ability to live their life and earn a living. One type of disability that is not always obvious is a hand injury.
Hand injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries such as amputations. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be possible to get disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits for those who are unable to work due to a disability.
To qualify for benefits, you must first prove that you have a qualifying disability. For a hand injury, this means that you must be unable to use your hand or arm in ways that are considered “substantially gainful activity.” This means that you cannot do simple tasks such as writing or using a computer.
If you can show that your hand injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in the past and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. If you have not worked or do not have enough work credits, you may still be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is needs-based, so you must also demonstrate financial need in order to qualify.
If you have suffered a hand injury that has prevented you from working, disability benefits may be available to help you make ends meet. The first step is to contact the SSA and file a claim for benefits.
What Causes Hand Injuries?
There are many causes of hand injuries. Some common causes are:
-Cuts
-Bruises
-Strains and sprains
-Dislocations
-Fractures
Some less common causes of hand injuries include:
-Arthritis
-Carpal tunnel syndrome
-Ganglion cysts
-Nerve damage
How to Prevent Hand Injuries
Working with your hands can be dangerous, and hand injuries are some of the most common types of injuries that people suffer on the job. There are a few things you can do to help prevent hand injuries, though, and knowing how to protect your hands can help keep you safe while you’re working.
Wear gloves when you’re working with any kind of hazardous material, whether it’s a chemical or a sharp object. If you’re going to be working with your hands a lot, make sure you wear gloves that fit well and that won’t slip off easily.
Pay attention to what you’re doing when you’re working with your hands. It’s easy to get distracted and not realize that you’re doing something that could be dangerous. If you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing, you could easily miss something that could lead to an injury.
Make sure you know how to use the tools you’re using properly. Improper use of tools is one of the leading causes of hand injuries. If you’re not sure how to use something, ask someone who knows or look it up before you start using it.
If you start to feel pain in your hands while you’re working, stop what you’re doing and take a break. Continuing to work through the pain can only make the problem worse, and it’s not worth risking an injury just to get the job done faster.
How to Treat a Hand Injury
If you have a hand injury, there are a few things you can do to treat it at home. These include:
-Resting the injured hand. Avoid using the injured hand as much as possible. This will help reduce pain and swelling.
-Ice. Put ice on the injured hand for 20 minutes at a time, several times per day. This will help reduce pain and swelling.
-Compression. Use an elastic bandage to wrap the injured hand. This will help reduce pain and swelling.
-Elevation. Raise the injured hand above your heart as often as possible. This will help reduce pain and swelling.
When to See a Doctor for a Hand Injury
A doctor should usually be seen within 24 hours if: -There is a deformity or the injured body part looks out of place. -The injured body part does not have full range of motion. -There is nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness. -There is an open wound or bone protruding from the skin. -There is severe pain that limits the use of the hand or finger.
How to Get Disability for a Hand Injury
If you have a hand injury that prevents you from working, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for disability benefits, your hand injury must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any type of work.
There are two programs that provide disability benefits for people with hand injuries: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in the past and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify for SSI, you must have a limited income and resources.
To be considered for disability benefits, you will need to submit a complete application and medical documentation of your hand injury to the SSA. Your application will be reviewed by a disability examiner, who will make a determination as to whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements.
If you are found to be eligible for disability benefits, you will receive a monthly payment from the SSA based on your average past earnings.
What to Expect After a Hand Injury
If you have recently suffered a hand injury, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of your recovery. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to experience.
The first few days after your injury, it is normal to experience pain, swelling, and bruising. You may also feel numbness or tingling in your fingers. It is important to ice your hand for 20 minutes several times a day during this time to help reduce the swelling. You should also keep your hand elevated as much as possible.
After the initial few days, you will likely start physical therapy to help regain movement and strength in your hand. Physical therapy may involve exercises, massages, and the use of electrical stimulation or heat/cold treatments. Depending on the severity of your injury, physical therapy could last for several weeks or even months.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues or bones. After surgery, you will need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks while the tissues heal. Once the Cast is removed, you will likely need to continue physical therapy for some time before regaining full use of your hand.
How to Return to Work After a Hand Injury
If you have suffered a hand injury, you may be wondering if you can return to work and what your options are. Here is a guide to help you make the best decision for your situation.
If your injury was caused by an accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover from your injury.
If you are not eligible for workers’ compensation, or if your injuries are not severe enough to prevent you from working, you may be able to return to your job with some accommodations. For example, if you have difficulty using your hands for fine motor tasks, your employer might allow you to use a computer instead of a typewriter.
In some cases, hand injuries can lead to permanent disability. If your hand injury is severe enough that it prevents you from doing your job, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To qualify for these benefits, you must have worked for a certain period of time and paid into the Social Security system. You will also need to provide medical evidence that shows that your hand injury is severe enough to prevent you from working.
