Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Compartment syndrome is a less common but very serious injury that can happen at many types of workplaces, including factories, construction sites, offices, and more. If you’ve been diagnosed with compartment syndrome or any other serious injury, contact Flaxman Law Group if you’d like to schedule a consultation with a South Florida workers’ compensation attorney.
After a serious work injury, you deserve the benefits that can help you rebuild your life, and the legal team at Flaxman Law Group is dedicated to seeking fair benefits for you so you can do that. Contact us today if you’ve been injured.
What Is Compartment Syndrome?
The muscles in your body need room to move and function at their best. With compartment syndrome, there’s a buildup of pressure in the area, which keeps your muscles from working effectively. This buildup also causes severe pain.
There are two types of compartment syndrome. Chronic compartment syndrome happens when you overwork your muscles over a period of time, causing a gradual buildup of pressure. This can happen with overwork injuries on the job. Acute compartment syndrome happens when a sudden injury causes dangerous buildup of pressure around the muscles. This can happen due to crushing and machine injuries in the workplace. Broken bones can also lead to this complication.
In either case, compartment syndrome is a serious medical condition. If you suspect you have injured your muscles, get a medical evaluation to get a diagnosis. It’s especially important to seek medical advice if you experience severe pressure, pain, or tightness in any area of your body where you’ve been injured or in any muscle group you use often. These can be symptoms of compartment syndrome.
What If I’m Diagnosed With Compartment Syndrome?
If a workplace injury or work conditions result in a diagnosis of compartment syndrome, it’s important to follow doctors’ instructions to prevent further complications. Depending on your injury, your doctor may recommend the following treatment:
- Fasciotomy, which is a type of surgery to relieve pressure
- Skin grafting
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management medication
- Elevation and rest of the affected area
Lack of adequate treatment is a serious concern, especially with acute compartment syndrome. Without proper treatment, muscle tissue could die, permanent affecting the function of that muscle group.
It’s also important to file a workers’ compensation claim if your injury is due to work. Report the incident to your supervisors and seek benefits you may be entitled to, including wage loss benefits and medical benefits. You may be unable to work for some time with compartment syndrome, especially if you need surgery, so getting your rightful benefits is important for your financial health. Compartment syndrome can even lead to permanent nerve damage or muscle damage, so seeking compensation and benefits is important in protecting your income and your ability to pay for medical care.
Unfortunately, not every worker who applies for workers’ compensation benefits gets what they should. If you’re injured and want help applying for maximum benefits or if you’ve already been denied benefits, contact Flaxman Law Group for a consultation with a South Florida workers’ compensation attorney. Together, let’s discuss whether you have a claim and let’s review what you may be able to do next.