Filing a Claim for a “FOOSH” Injury in Massachusetts

What is a “FOOSH” and how do you file  a claim for one in Massachusetts? In medical terminology, the acronym “FOOSH” stands for “falling onto an outstretched hand.”

This type of injury is quite common for those who have slipped and fallen, and it can result in serious issues in the future. Those who have suffered these types of injuries will likely have trouble working in the future, as many individuals work with their hands. With so many people working in front of a computer these days, a FOOSH injury can impact your ability to type. All of this can result in significant economic pressures as you miss wages while paying off your medical bills.

Thankfully, there is a helpful option for those who have suffered these kinds of injuries. If your accident was caused by the negligence of another party, you can file a claim and receive adequate compensation for your damages. In order to make this happen, it is important to enlist the help of a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Massachusetts. Ideally, you should search for a lawyer who specializes in slips and falls.

Why Do FOOSH Injuries Occur?
FOOSH injuries occur because our natural instinct when falling is to absorb the impact with our hands and arms. However, our hands are actually quite delicate. In the split second before we hit the ground, most of us have no time to think about the right course of action. In some cases, cushioning the impact with our shoulder is more effective, as this area of the body is generally more robust compared to the fingers and hands. That being said, the impact onto an outstretched hand can travel up the limb and damage the shoulder and collarbone as well, even though these areas are not hitting the ground.

There are many types of FOOSH injuries, including:
● Scaphoid fractures
● Distal radius fractures
● Radial styloid fractures
● Radial head fractures
● Scapholunate tears
● Distal radioulnar joint fractures
● Hook of hamate fractures

As you can see, there are many small, delicate bones and joints in the hand and wrist. All of these small components can become injured by a fall, even by a relatively slight impact. The severity of the injury also greatly depends on the surface that you fall onto. For example, falling onto a grassy patch may result in a less serious injury compared to falling onto cement.

Finger Injuries
Finger injuries are also common after a slip and fall. Each finger comprises three bones, called phalanges. These bones can become fractured, and these injuries are often associated with additional injuries to tendons and ligaments. There is a wide range of “jammed finger” injuries, which include:
● Gamekeeper’s thumb
● Mallet finger
● Boutonniere deformity
● Swan neck deformity

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you are serious about getting the compensation you need for your FOOSH injury, get in touch with the Law Office of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty. We have considerable experience with slips and falls, and we can hold negligence property owners accountable for causing these injuries. No one should have to lose income and incur medical expenses due to injured fingers and hands, especially if these injuries were caused by someone else’s irresponsible behavior. Book your FREE consultation today, and we can develop an effective action plan together. Contact us at 413-732-8356.