Workers’ Compensation for Lost Limbs, Fingers, and Toes in Pennsylvania

Workers’ Compensation for Lost Limbs and Fingers in Pennsylvania

Losing a limb or finger in a workplace accident is a life-altering event. Potentially, it could prevent a worker from performing job duties and carrying out everyday tasks. In Pennsylvania, workers who suffer amputation injuries on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment, wage loss benefits, and specific loss benefits. If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related amputation, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how to maximize your benefits under the State’s workers’ compensation laws.

Common Causes of Workplace Amputations

Workplace amputations are often the result of serious accidents involving heavy machinery, tools, or hazardous work environments. Some of the most common causes of lost limbs and fingers in the workplace include:

• Machinery accidents – Workers using industrial equipment, such as saws, presses, or conveyor belts, are at risk of traumatic amputations.
• Crush injuries – Heavy machinery or falling objects can crush a limb or digits, resulting to partial or complete amputation.
• Construction accidents – Power tools, heavy equipment, and unsafe work conditions contribute to a high rate of amputation injuries in the construction industry.
• Motor vehicle accidents – Workers who drive trucks, forklifts, and commercial vehicles may suffer severe injuries in crashes, leading to amputations.
• Explosions or burns – Chemical or electrical burns can cause severe tissue damage, necessitating surgical amputation.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Amputation Injuries

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws provide several forms of financial and medical benefits to workers who have lost limbs, fingers, or toes in a work-related accident.

Medical Benefits

Workers are entitled to receive full medical coverage for all reasonable and necessary treatment related to their amputation injury, including:

• Emergency medical care and surgeries
• Prosthetics and assistive devices
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain management treatments

Wage Loss Benefits

If an amputation injury prevents a worker from returning to their previous job or reduces their earning capacity, wage loss benefits are available. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation provides:

• Total Disability Benefits – If you are completely unable to work because of your injury, you may receive wage loss benefits at approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
• Partial Disability Benefits – If you can work in a reduced capacity but earn less than before, you may be eligible for partial-loss wage benefits.

Specific Loss Benefits

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides specific loss benefits for amputations, even if the worker does not lose time from work. These benefits are based on a pre-determined schedule that assigns a set number of weeks of compensation for the loss of a body part, including:

• Thumb: 100 weeks
• Index finger: 50 weeks
• Middle finger: 40 weeks
• Ring finger: 30 weeks
• Little finger: 28 weeks
• Hand: 335 weeks
• Arm: 410 weeks
• Foot: 250 weeks
• Great toe: 40 weeks
• Other toes: 16 weeks
• Leg: 410 weeks

Workers may also receive benefits for the loss of an eye or hearing, as well as for visible disfigurement of the head, face, or neck.

What to Do After an Amputation Injury at Work

If you suffer an amputation or loss of a finger while working, follow these steps to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health and safety should be your top priority. Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
2. Report the Injury to Your Employer – Notify your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Failure to report in a timely manner may negatively impact your entitlement to benefits.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim – Your employer should file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance provider. If they fail to do so, you may need to take legal action.
4. Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney – Amputation claims can be complex, and insurance companies may attempt to minimize benefits. An experienced attorney can help you secure all of the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of an injury or dispute claims to avoid paying full benefits. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney can:

• Ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time
• Advocate for the full extent of medical and wage benefits you are entitled to
• Fight against unfair claim denials or underpayments
• Help you pursue additional compensation if a third party’s negligence caused your injury

Get Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Losing a limb or finger in a workplace accident is devastating, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Martin Law are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers across Pennsylvania. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Don’t let the insurance company decide your future. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.