How Does Ring Avulsion Happen?

A ring avulsion will typically be categorized under a three-tier classification system called the Urbaniak classification. Class one is the least severe, and class three is the most severe.

Class 1

A class 1 ring avulsion can result in minor damage to the tissues and bones of your finger. The bone may have a fracture, and the blood vessels in the finger may be slightly damaged, but blood circulation will remain strong enough for the finger to heal.

Class 1 avulsions ordinarily do not require surgery and may be treated by casting the bone or letting damaged skin heal without much intervention. 

These avulsions have the best chance of a full recovery.

Class 2

Ring avulsions in the second class are characterized by poor blood circulation and moderate damage to surrounding structural elements of the finger. The damage to the structure often makes it difficult to move the finger. 

Avulsions in this class routinely require microsurgery to reattach damaged or severed blood vessels to save the finger. Surgery to fix the structures in the finger may also be necessary. In rare cases, class 2 avulsions can require amputation; however, it is typical for individuals to make at least a partial recovery and regain functional use of their fingers. 

Class 3

Notably, a class 3 ring avulsion constitutes a degloving injury. As a complete degloving, a class 3 ring avulsion means that the affected finger is completely disconnected from underlying blood vessels due to a deep wound. This disconnect usually happens in conjunction with other damage to bone, tendons, nerves, and muscles. 

A serious class 3 ring avulsion can present with all the damage associated above. The extreme damage is why multiple surgeries are usually required for class 3 ring avulsions. Often, various specialists must assess the damage and decide in what order to surgically reconstruct the following:

• Blood vessels and replanting or transplanting skin
• Fractured bones
• Torn ligaments and tendons
• Torn or damaged muscle tissue
• Damaged nerves

Complex reconstruction procedures carry long recovery times and extensive physical therapy to regain control of the affected finger. Damage is often so severe that reconstruction is not viable, so amputation of the damaged finger is necessary. 

Class 3 avulsions have a high chance of amputation and very low odds of full recovery. 

Workers’ Compensation For Ring Avulsion

Work-related injuries are often covered by worker’s compensation benefits and may generally be employees’ exclusive right to remedies for those injuries. A ring avulsion suffered while on the job is no exception. You will likely be able to file a workers’ comp claim for benefits following your injury, provided that your injury was not caused by circumstances that fall under an exception. Some otherwise valid claims for workers’ comp are thwarted by the accident being attributable to your rage, if you were intoxicated, or if you had the intent to defraud the benefits system (by purposefully harming yourself to receive compensation). 

Personal Injury Claims For Ring Avulsion

If another person caused your ring avulsion through negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, you might have a personal injury claim for damages. Employers can also be liable for negligence or other conduct which caused their employees harm. One example is not having proper safety guards in place on heavy machinery to prevent injury. Your employer may be liable if you have a ring avulsion accident due to the lack of guards. Similarly, if your employer did not enforce adequate safety standards, they may be negligent and liable as well. 

Detailing the circumstances surrounding your incident in a free consultation will allow us to evaluate any potential claims you may have and what the best course of action is to right any wrongs done to you.

Contact A Personal Injury Attorney Samer Habbas

Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates has the experience and expertise to solve problems for clients and achieve the best possible results. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 888-848-5084 or contact us online.