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  Lawyer Michele Lewane | Top Attorney Workers Compensation

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Pain and Phantom Sensations After an Amputation

It is hard to imagine what it would be like to lose part of your body.  Many people struggle with the initial physical pain, the emotional pain of losing part of their body and then some people have to deal with pain after the injured body part has been removed – this is also known as “Phantom Pain” or “Phantom Sensations”.

I have included an excerpt from www.hanger.com discussing Phantom Pain and some tips for coping and reducing the pain.

“As the name implies, phantom pain has mysterious origins and is not well understood by scientists. One prevalent theory centers on the concept of brain reorganization. This theory looks at how the brain loses input from certain nerves following amputation. Later, the neurons are reactivated and respond to input from the remaining nerves. Pressure on the residual limb might trigger a response in the part of the brain that previously responded to nerves in the missing limb, triggering sensations that are felt as if they were in the missing limb. Researchers have also shown that if those parts of the brain are stimulated with electrodes, the amputee feels sensation in their missing limb.”

“Phantom pain varies and may feel like cramping, aching, burning or a shock-like sensation. Stress, anxiety, fear or fatigue will usually increase the person’s discomfort. There are many different types of therapies that attempt to relieve this pain, including acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, and complicated surgical procedures. It is a good idea for people to keep a log of when the pain occurs and try to identify and eliminate any triggers they might discover. People should not hesitate to talk to their prosthetist or physician about phantom pain and how best to treat it.”

Here are some techniques our patients have used to reduce or alleviate phantom pain:

• Wrapping the residual limb in a warm, soft towel
• Wrapping the residual limb with a heating pad
• Wrapping the residual limb in a cold pack or applying a cooling cream or gel
• Mentally exercising the missing limb in the area where the pain occurs
• Mentally relaxing the missing limb and the residual limb
• Tightening the muscles in the residual limb and slowly releasing them
• Applying an elastic/Ace bandage or shrinker
• For people with a prosthesis, putting it on and taking a short walk
• Taking off the prosthesis if pain is experienced while wearing it
• Changing position, moving around or standing up
• Soaking in a warm bath or using the shower to massage the residual limb. Massaging the residual limb with both hands
• Trying natural supplements including juniper berry, grape seed extract, vitamin E, vitamin A, B12, potassium, calcium and magnesium
• Unfortunately, research indicates that some people who experienced pain in a limb before amputation also appear to be at greater risk of developing phantom pain after its removal.

“On a positive note, many people find that phantom pain and sensations are reduced once they are fit with a prosthesis and begin wearing it regularly.”

If you are dealing with an amputation as a result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the benefits you may be entitled to, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

 

Diagnostic Testing After a Work Related Neck Injury

I have represented many folks who have suffered a neck injury as the result of a work place accident.  Neck injuries are unpleasant and injuries to the neck can often be difficult to diagnose without diagnostic imaging or testing.  Often times, workers’ compensation doctors will order physical therapy before any diagnostic imaging as a less invasive, more cost effective means of trying to treat the injury.  While physical therapy can be a wonderful treatment, it does not always correct the problem.  If physical therapy is too painful (call your doctor immediately!) or if it is not correcting the problem, the doctor may opt for one or more of the following tests to further investigate the cause of an injured workers’ pain and/or symptoms.  I have copied the information below from www.emedicinehealth.com to help injured workers’ understand the different types of tests and how they are administered.

Remember, for Virginia Workers’ Compensation, the insurance company will not approve diagnostic testing until it has been deemed reasonable and necessary by the workers’ comp doctor.

Diagnostic Imaging of a Neck Injury – Work Place Accidents

By: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
(Source: www.emedicinehealth.com)

Plain film radiography (X-rays)

• Plain X-rays are still the primary means of looking for trauma to bones involving the cervical spine. They have the advantages of low cost, wide availability, and good anatomic resolution. X-rays do not give a good image of soft tissue structures (muscles and ligaments).
• The technician will customarily obtain multiple views.
• The actual reading of cervical spine radiographs is a science in itself and may be performed by any knowledgeable doctor with the backup of a radiologist.

CT scan

• This painless, noninvasive technique produces cross-sectional images of tissues.
• CT scans offer far better tissue contrast resolution when compared to plain X-rays and are excellent for displaying bony architecture, although soft tissues are seen less well.
• It is useful in assessing for complex fractures and dislocations, disk protrusions, disease of the joints of the vertebrae, and spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the space containing the spinal cord).

Myelography (spinal cord imaging)

• In this technique, a water-soluble contrast dye is injected into the epidural space via lumbar puncture and allowed to flow to different levels of the spinal cord.
• Plain X-rays, or more commonly CT scan, are then performed, to indirectly visualize structures outlined by the dye.
• This technique is very sensitive at detecting disk disease, disk herniation, nerve entrapment, spinal stenosis, and tumors of the spinal cord. Side effects of the procedure include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

MRI

• MRI is another noninvasive, painless imaging technique used to obtain images of bone and soft tissue. It uses magnetic fields and is based on detecting the effect of a strong magnetic field on hydrogen atoms contained in water.
• So-called T1 images show very good anatomic detail, whereas T2 images demonstrate any soft tissue problems that alter tissue water content. Both offer excellent tissue contrast and have no known side effects, although claustrophobia is a problem in some people.
• MRI cannot be used for people with implanted or other metallic foreign bodies not firmly fixed to bone but is reportedly safe with prosthetic joints and internal fixation devices. It is often preferred over myelography for the assessment of disk disease because it is noninvasive.

Diskography

• This involves the injection of radiopaque dye into the center of an intervertebral disk (nucleus pulposus), using radiographic guidance, and may be used to determine disk disruptions.
• It is uncommonly performed but is sometimes used in cases where the precise cause of your symptoms is difficult to ascertain to see whether the injection brings on your symptoms.

Radionuclide scanning

• This technique uses a very short-lived radioactive isotope (technetium 99m) administered by IV and are absorbed by actively metabolizing bone tissue during bone turnover. The amount of uptake is proportional to the amount of metabolism.
• Localized “hot spots” may then be visualized through the use of a special camera, which can detect the gamma rays emitted by the radioisotope. This technique is very sensitive for detecting fractures or other bone problems.

 

If you are dealing with work related neck injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

How do you Recover Mentally from an Amputation?

After a severe work injury that results in an amputation, injured workers’ are left to pick up the pieces.   There is a lot of information out there on a person’s “physical recovery” but not a lot on dealing with the mental and emotional toll that an amputation can take a patient.

I found some great insight from the website www.amputee-coalition.org for injured workers to review and help gage where they are in the “mental recovery” process.  These topics would be ideal to discuss with your doctor, a family member or a counselor.

Signs of Recovery from an Amputation:

• A sense of balance in emotions and relationships
• Awareness of abilities and limitations
• Positive self-concept and a sense of accomplishment
• Ability to get around in the environment
• Participation in social, vocational and/or recreational activities
• Setting priorities.
• Recovery is a tall order for anyone, with or without limb loss!
• Whatever recovery means to you

(Source: www.amputee-coalition.org)

Take time to learn what makes everyone’s recovery different.

• Determine your personal goals.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• There are many issues that affect recovery from amputation.

Four Categories of Amputation Recovery Issues:

1. Issues related to the amputation

• Whether the amputation was sudden or due to a chronic, debilitating illness
• The level of the amputation
• Whether the amputation surgery was successful in stabilizing the condition that caused it
• How the day-to-day ability to function will be affected

2. Individual characteristics

• Age or health status. Obviously, the older you are, the greater the chance that you have other conditions (known as comorbid conditions) that could impact your recovery.
• Current stage of life
• Financial status
• Ethnic background

3. Personality traits

• Coping strategies used before the surgery
• Sense of control over the situation
• Attitudes toward health and sickness
• Self-concept and body image
• Experience coping with other similar losses

4. Characteristics of the physical and social environment

• Availability of a support system, such as family, friends or a support group
• Availability of appropriate medical care
• Accessibility of services in the community
• Living arrangements
• How other people view limb loss

If you are dealing with an amputation as a result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

At the Injured Workers Law Firm, we want to make sure you receive the benefits you deserve, contact us!

 

Amputation Aftercare and Healing from a Work Injury

Many of my clients have had to contend with losing a body part as a result of work injury; the recovery process can be long and challenging, especially if you are faced with the daunting task of relearning every day tasks that most folks don’t think twice about.

If you are facing the possibility of an amputation as the result of a work injury, I wanted to provide you with some information on what you may be able to expect directly following the procedure.  Review this information and if you have questions or concerns, make sure you discuss them with your doctor prior to surgery.  Being well informed is one of the best ways to help manage some of the fear that I am sure many injured workers face prior to an amputation procedure.

Recovering from a work related amputation injury

(Source: www.webmd.com)

Recovery from amputation depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia used.

In the hospital, the staff changes the dressings on the wound or teaches the patient to change them. The doctor monitors wound healing and any conditions that might interfere with healing, such as diabetes or hardening of the arteries. The doctor prescribes medications to ease pain and help prevent infection.

If the patient has problems with phantom pain (a sense of pain in the amputated limb) or grief over the lost limb, the doctor will prescribe medication and/or counseling, as necessary.

Physical therapy, beginning with gentle, stretching exercises, often begins soon after surgery. Practice with the artificial limb may begin as soon as 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Ideally, the wound should fully heal in about four to eight weeks. But the physical and emotional adjustment to losing a limb can be a long process. Long-term recovery and rehabilitation will include.

If you are dealing with an amputation as a result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

Have more questions about a work injury? Check out our blogs on common workplace injuries.

What Will Happen During an Amputation Procedure?

Many injured workers suffer the awful reality that they may lose a body part due to a work accident.  Some injuries are so severe that the extremity may have already been severed from the body while other injured workers undergo amputation medically.  If you are facing the possibility of undergoing a medical amputation, I have supplied some information from www.webmd.com to give you some insight as to what happens during the procedure.

Your particular medical condition may or may not match up with this information.  Make sure any questions, concerns or uncertainties you have are discussed with your doctor – this information is not intended as medical advice.

The Amputation Medical Procedure after a Work Injury

(Source: www.webmd.com)

• An amputation usually requires a hospital stay of five to 14 days or more, depending on the surgery and complications. The procedure itself may vary, depending on the limb or extremity being amputated and the patient’s general health.
• Amputation may be done under general anesthesia (meaning the patient is asleep) or with spinal anesthesia, which numbs the body from the waist down.
• When performing an amputation, the surgeon removes all damaged tissue while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• A doctor may use several methods to determine where to cut and how much tissue to remove. These include:
  • Checking for a pulse close to where the surgeon is planning to cut
  • Comparing skin temperatures of the affected limb with those of a healthy limb
  • Looking for areas of reddened skin
  • Checking to see if the skin near the site where the surgeon is planning to cut is still sensitive to touch

During the amputation procedure, the surgeon will:

(Source: www.webmd.com)

• Remove the diseased tissue and any crushed bone
• Smooth uneven areas of bone
• Seal off blood vessels and nerves
• Cut and shape muscles so that the stump, or end of the limb, will be able to have an artificial limb (prosthesis) attached to it
• The surgeon may choose to close the wound right away by sewing the skin flaps (called a closed amputation). Or the surgeon may leave the site open for several days in case there’s a need to remove additional tissue.
• The surgical team then places a sterile dressing on the wound and may place a stocking over the stump to hold drainage tubes or bandages. The doctor may place the limb in traction, in which a device holds it in position, or may use a splint.

If you are dealing with an amputation as a result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

The Injured Workers’ Law Firm has supplied more articles on amputation.

 

When a Work Injury Leads to Amputation

I have helped many injured workers recover benefits after suffering an injury that led to an amputation of one or more of their body parts

“Amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger.”  (taken from www.webmd.com)

“About 1.8 million Americans are living with amputations. Amputation of the leg — either above or below the knee — is the most common amputation surgery.”  (taken from www.webmd.com)

I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a part of your body; in my opinion, you can’t put a price tag on a body part.

Unfortunately, Workers’ Compensation is a “fixed” system.  Awards to an injured worker for the loss of a body part are predetermined based on a math equation and a person’s average weekly wage.  That being said, injured workers need to make sure that they are getting all of the benefits they are entitled too as a result of their injury.  More often than not, the only way to ensure this is to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system.  Do not be fooled by an insurance adjuster claiming they are offering you maximum benefits for your claim!

If you are dealing with an amputation as a result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

Click here to read more blog posts on Common Workplace Injuries and Your Benefits - Virginia Workers Comp

Work Injuries Can Lead to RSD

Many people who suffer from a serious work injury can later develop Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD.  RSD is defined as “a malfunction of the central nervous systems, which causes pain and additional symptoms,” (taken from www.rsdawareness.com).  RSD is a condition that is recognized by Virginia Workers’ Compensation when it is caused as the result of a workplace injury.

“Complex regional pain syndrome occurs in two types, with similar signs and symptoms, but different causes,” (www.mayoclinic.com).  While there are two separately recognized types of RSD; the information provided in this post is meant to be centered on Type 1 RSD (onset after injury or illness).

I have compiled a host of information here on RSD from several different resources.  If you are experiencing these symptoms or believe you might be suffering from RSD, you need to discuss this information with your doctor.

The 4 main symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy are:

Information source -  http://usarsd.org/

1. Pain.

This is the major symptom of RSD, which is extremely intense, often leading to a lack of sleep.

Described usually as severe, constant and burning in nature; like the affected area was on fire or in a pot of boiling water. You can also suffer from throbbing, aching, stabbing, crushing, sharp or tingling pain in the affected areas. The painful areas are not limited to the original accident or trauma site. The pain is more severe than what is expected for the type of injury sustained.

Allodynia usually accompanies this pain. This is an extreme sensitivity to a stimulus that would not normally cause pain. A slight touch, clothing, even a breeze can cause extreme pain. Hyperpathia and Hyperesthesia can also be present (Increased sensitivity to painful stimulus including pressure and touch which can continue after the stimulus is removed). Pain can be caused by vibrations and even loud noises and sound.

2. Inflammation.

Inflammation is present in MOST cases of RSD and can be present in many forms. These include swelling (edema), color changes (mottled skin, purple, blue, red or pale discolorations), skin rashes, bleeding in the skin, bruising easily, patches of dark and/or dry skin, swelling in and around the joints and freezing of the joints.

Inflammation is not always present.

3. Spasms.

The blood vessels of the skin and muscles spasm causing a feeling of coldness. This can also result in tremors, muscle weakness or fatigue, movement disorders, weakness and clumsiness of the extremities and the tendency to fall.

4. Insomnia and Emotional Disturbances

RSD affects the limbic system, the part of the brain in which the sympathetic nerve fibers carrying the pain and other impulses terminates. This is positioned between the brain stem (at the base of the neck) and the brain’s cerebral hemispheres.

Disturbance of the limbic system can causes depression, agitation, irritability, insomnia, short term memory loss and lack of judgment or concentration.

SOME Other Symptoms of RSD:

(Source http://usarsd.org/)

Movement Disorders – Difficulty in beginning movement of the affected area or the inability to move the area. Development of dystrophy and/or atrophy may sometimes occur.

Skin Changes – Skin may change color. May be mottled. Can become shiny, dry and tight. Rashes and sores can occur (neurodermatitis). The skin can become thin and fragile or may become quite thick, developing elephantiasis.

Sweating – Increased sweating in affected areas or lack of sweat.

General Weakness – Body Fatigue.

Increased Tone – Muscle and skin tightening.

Increased Reflexes – Tremors of affected extremities and muscle spasms.

Hair/Nails – These may sometimes start grow at an increased rate with the onset of RSD/CRPS and/or then slow or stop growing in affected areas. The hair can also change in color and thickness. Nails can become grooved, cracked, discolored and brittle.

Eye Sight – Visual disturbances can occur including blurring, difficulty focusing and dizziness in the form of vertigo (either the body or objects moving around).

Hearing - Tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ears).

Joints - Decreased ROM (range of movement), Tenderness and swelling.

Miscellaneous - loss of libido, relationship problems, anxiety and panic disorders. Immune system disturbances. Inability to control body temperature may also occur with RSD/CRPS

Would you like to read more information about workers compensation claims and benefits in Virginia?

If you are suffering from RSD as the result of a workplace injury, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

The Injured Workers Law Firm helps clients all over Virginia; if you have experience a work injury in Goochland, Louisa, Hampton, Alexandria, Deltaville, Lexington, or anywhere in between. You can contact us by email or phone (804) 755-7755

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

 

A Work Injury Can Lead to a Bicep Tendon Rupture

I have represented many injured workers after a injury causing a bicep tendon rupture.  Bicep injuries are not only extremely painful, but they can often require surgery and a long healing process.

I have included some excerpts from an article By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., (http://orthopedics.about.com) highlighting the different kinds bicep tendon ruptures and their symptomatology.

 

“The biceps tendon is the structure that connects the biceps muscle to the bone. There is a proximal biceps tendon at the shoulder joint, and a distal biceps tendon at the elbow.

What is a biceps tendon rupture?

A biceps tendon rupture is an injury that occurs to the biceps tendon causing the attachment to separate from the bone. A normal biceps tendon is connected strongly to the bone. When the biceps tendon ruptures, this tendon is detached. Following a biceps tendon rupture, the muscle cannot pull on the bone, and certain movements may be weakened and painful.”

There are two types of biceps tendon ruptures:

Proximal Biceps Tendon Ruptures

“A proximal biceps tendon rupture is an injury to the biceps tendon at the shoulder joint. This injury type is the most common type of biceps tendon injury. It is most common in patients over 60 years of age, and often causes minimal symptoms.”

 

Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures

‘The distal biceps tendon is injured around the elbow joint. This is usually an injury that occurs with heavy lifting or sports in middle-aged men. Most patients with a distal biceps rupture will have surgery to repair the torn tendon.”

 

What are the symptoms of a proximal biceps tendon rupture?

“Usually patients will have sudden pain associated with an audible snap in the area of their shoulder. The pain is usually not significant, and, as mentioned previously, some patients may experience pain relief after the rupture. After the ruptured tendon retracts, patients may notice a bulge in their arm at the biceps muscle. This is the retracted muscle bunched up in the arm, and is sometime referred to as a “Popeye Muscle,” because the muscle is more pronounced than normal.”

 

What are the symptoms of distal biceps tendon rupture?

“Distal biceps tendon rupture is characterized by sudden pain over the front of the elbow after a forceful effort against a flexed elbow. Usually the patient will hear a snap and have pain where the tendon rupture occurs. Swelling and bruising around the elbow are also common symptoms of distal biceps tendon rupture.”

 

If you have suffered a ruptured bicep as the result of a work place injury or if you would like more information on Virginia Workers’ Compensation, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

 

Caring for Your Cast or Splint After a Work Injury

Casts and splints are used to immobilize or to support a part of the body to aid in healing.  Casts and splints can also help to reduce muscle spasms, pain and swelling and are typically made of fiberglass or a plaster material.  Your medical provider will decide which material and type of cast or split is suited for your particular needs and custom fit it your body.

It is very important for your healing process to keep your cast or splint in good condition.  I found these tips from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org to help guide you on caring for your splint or cast.

 

Keep your splint or cast dry. Moisture weakens plaster and damp padding next to the skin can cause irritation. Use two layers of plastic or purchase waterproof shields to keep your splint or cast dry while you shower or bathe.

Walking casts. Do not walk on a “walking cast” until it is completely dry and hard. It takes about one hour for fiberglass, and two to three days for plaster to become hard enough to walk on.

Avoid dirt. Keep dirt, sand, and powder away from the inside of your splint or cast.

Padding. Do not pull out the padding from your splint or cast.

Itching. Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor.

Trimming. Do not break off rough edges of the cast or trim the cast before asking your doctor.

Skin. Inspect the skin around the cast. If your skin becomes red or raw around the cast, contact your doctor.

Inspect the cast regularly. If it becomes cracked or develops soft spots, contact your doctor’s office.

 

If you are having any issues with your cast or splint, it is always best to consult your doctor before attempting to handle it on your own.  Also, if you are working while you are in a cast or splint, make sure to get clear concise instructions from your doctor as to what limitations you are under, you may need to explain to him or her in great detail what is expected of you at work so that your restrictions can be written appropriately.

If you or a loved one have suffered a work related injury, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

 

Heat Related Injury at Work

Alright folks, it is getting to be that time of year again so I wanted to share some information with you about heat related injuries.  Workers’ in Virginia contend with hot temperatures and sever humidity that can very easily lead not only to a heat injury, but to a life threatening situation.  Severe heat injury can lead to muscle damage, kidney failure,  neurological disorders and even death.

Understand what a heat stroke is and be familiar with the symptoms so you may be more likely to recognize it if you or someone you know is reacting to a heat injury – it could save a life!

According to http://orthoinfo.aaos.org:

“Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat injury. When suffering from heat stroke, your body cannot cool itself. This is an acute medical emergency.”

“Heat stroke is medically defined as core body temperature greater than 104 degrees F. Organ system failure can result from this high of a body temperature.”

Some heat stroke or heat exhaustion can be identified by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, disorientation or seizures and in extreme cases, a person can slip into a coma.  In other cases, there may not be any outwardly recognizable signs, making it very dangerous for those who work in conditions of extreme heat.

The best way to fight a heat injury is prevention.

Tips for People Who Work in the Heat

*HYDRATE HYDATE HYDRATE!!  Drinking plenty of water and keeping your body hydrated is key for keeping your body temperature regulated and preventing injury.  Hydrate even if you are not thirsty.  Everything I have read suggests you should hydrate before, during and after exposure to extreme temperatures.

*Know the Weather Conditions  Watch the weather before you report for work, know what temperatures you can expect and the possible humidity index.

*Take Frequent Breaks 

*Wear Appropriate Clothing  Wearing anything tight or restricting can keep the heat in.  If you are able, wear clothing that is light, loose and breathable

*Wear Sunscreen 

*Look at Your Medications  You may need to talk to your doctor and find out if any of the medications you are on can cause reactions to sunlight, extreme heat or dehydration.  If you medications do have any of these effects, he/she may be able to prescribe something else or this could mean that you should not be working in extreme heat because of the increased risk of heat injury.

If you suspect heat exhaustion or a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and follow these tips for lowering body temperature until help arrives.

*Remove as much clothing as possible

  *Get out of the sun

*Immerse the person in an ice bath OR apply ice packs to the neck, groin and arm pits to aid the body in cooling

*Continue efforts to lower body temperature until emergency services arrive

I have represented the heart broken loved ones of workers’ who lost their lives because of a heat injury.  Take precautions as the temperature climbs this summer and protect yourself, no amount of compensation can ever take the place of a loved one.

For more information on Virginia Workers Compensation, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.

~Author

Michele Lewane, Esq.

 

 

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