Hand and Wrist Injuries

Massachusetts Workplace Disability Attorneys

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associates have built a reputation for excellence in workers’ compensation law. For over 25 years, our devoted advocates have fought for benefits for job-related injuries, including those impacting workers’ hands and wrists. Our Boston office provides individualized service and personal attention to injured workers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries

The small bones of the hand and wrist are intended to provide dexterity in detailed manual movement. But because the fragile bones form closely-knit joints, any damage to the articular cartilage or connecting ligaments in one small area can fundamentally change the entire unit. Typical work injuries to the hand and wrist may include:

• Fractured fingers
• Fractured wrists
• Torn ligaments
• Thumb sprains
• Cartilage tears
• Carpal tunnel
• Wrist sprains

Physicians generally divide disabilities resulting from hand and wrist injuries by type. Sprains describe any damage to ligaments, the tissue connecting bones. Sprains may range from minor tears to complete ruptures. Fractures, on the other hand, refer to cracks, dislocations, or breaks in a bone. Soft tissue and closed tendon injuries damage the connection between muscle and bone.

Work-Related Causes

Damage to the ligaments and bones of the hand and wrist destabilize joints and upset normal coordinated movement. The most common type of injury involves the carpal bones of the wrist that allow upward and sideways flexion. Compression of the carpal “tunnel” through which vital nerves pass, is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Job-related injuries leading to this condition may involve:

• Repetitive motion
• Keyboard operation
• Use of vibrating tools
• Factory, logging work
• Excessive force/loading
• Falling on outstretched hand
• Violent twisting or torsion

Work-related cumulative motion injuries to the wrist and hand are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Massachusetts General Law (MGL) c. 152 § 13 & 30 requires employers to pay for any reasonable and necessary medical treatment for job-related hand or wrist injuries and for lost wages when a partial disability lasts for 5 or more days.

Types of Benefits

For temporary total incapacity, workers are entitled to compensation under MGL c. 152 § 34 at 60% of their average weekly wage. The average weekly wage can be calculated by taking the sum of one’s total gross earnings for the year prior to the date of injury—before taxes—including overtime and bonuses, and dividing this number by 52 weeks. Partial incapacity benefits are awarded when workers lose part of their earning capacity due to an injury. Under MGL c. 152 §35, workers are entitled to a maximum of 75% of what they would receive in temporary total benefits. If a hand or wrist injury results in permanent loss of function or disfigurement, workers are entitled to a one-time payment in addition to benefits.

Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve

If you have a job-related hand or wrist injury, contact the Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys of Kantrovitz & Associates for help. We have over 25 years of experience representing employees whose injuries or illnesses have been caused by work. From arranging the proper filing of your claim and supporting evidence to defending your rights on appeal, we offer comprehensive service to injured workers in Boston, Essex, Suffolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, Norfolk, and Merrimack Counties, among others. Call 800-367-0871 for a free consultation or contact us online.