In a recent case, an employee suffered a traumatic amputation of her left-middle finger while operating a punch press. After consulting several doctors, her employer brought her to a hand specialist who prescribed her a custom-made prosthetic finger. The employer and its insurance company, however, refused to provide the prosthesis, contesting that it was not medically necessary.
The court did not agree. Siding with the employee, the court held that the employer was under a statutory duty, pursuant to RSMo §287.140, to provide the prescribed prosthesis and future medical care related to the maintenance, care, and replacement of the prosthesis. After hearing testimony from the prescribing physician, the court found that the prosthesis would relieve the employee, to a degree, of the negative effects associated with her amputated finger and the employee would receive functional benefits from the prosthesis, both physical and psychological. For the court, this was sufficient evidence to support a finding of medical benefit. It is important to note that RSMo §287.140 specifically requires the employer to provide artificial devices if they will serve a medical benefit to the injured worker. If you were injured at work and are unsure whether you are covered under Missouri Workers Compensation Law, you should consult an attorney.
Contact an Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyer
The St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyers at Roskin & Hoffmann, LLC have nearly 50 years of combined Work Comp experience and we have handled some of the most complex Workers Comp cases throughout Missouri. If you have been injured at work, call our knowledgeable attorneys at (314) 821-9013 or send us a Workers Comp question. We look forward to helping you. All communications are returned promptly.
Workers Compensation Lawyers at Roskin & Hoffmann, LLC based in St. Louis, Missouri have nearly 50 combined years of work comp experience. Call our attorneys today.
