What to Know About Finger Amputations at Work
Workplace injuries in Maryland can range from relatively minor injuries from which a worker can recover quickly to those injuries that result in permanent disabilities. Even within the realm of injuries that cause permanent disabilities, there are varying degrees of severity. In some instances, a person may sustain a debilitating traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury that leaves them completely unable to work in any capacity or even to care for themselves. On the opposite end of that spectrum, while still catastrophic in nature, workers in particular jobs can be susceptible to fingertip or finger amputations. How do finger and fingertip amputations happen in workplaces in Maryland, and what are your options for seeking compensation for your losses? Consider the following information from our Maryland workers’ compensation lawyers.
Understanding Fingertip and Finger Amputations in the Workplace
Fingertip injuries at work, especially those resulting in a traumatic amputation or requiring emergency amputation, typically result from one of the following, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:
- Very sharp cut or laceration;
- Crush injury; or
- Tear injury.
According to a study published in Occupational Medicine, traumatic finger and thumb amputations occur far less frequently in workplace settings than they used to, but these types of injuries still remain risks in jobs requiring work with heavy machinery.
Obtaining Compensation for an Amputated Finger
After a finger or fingertip amputation, you should immediately begin the process of seeking workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can pay for all of your necessary medical care and rehabilitation, and they can also cover lost wages while you are unable to work.
In addition to general workers’ compensation benefits, if you experience a fingertip or finger amputation that results in a permanent partial disability, you may be eligible for additional disability benefits based on the finger or fingers amputated. The following is the compensation schedule for the loss of fingers:
- 100 weeks for the amputation of a thumb;
- 40 weeks for the amputation of a 1st finger;
- 35 weeks for the amputation of a 2nd finger;
- 30 weeks for the amputation of a 3rd finger;
- 25 weeks for the amputation of a 4th finger (called the little finger or pinky).
Compensation of this type is also possible for certain periods of time for the loss of the 1st phalanx of a digit, or for the loss of more than 1 phalanx of a digit of a hand.
Contact a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Help Seeking Benefits After a Fingertip or Finger Amputation
Did you experience a serious accident at your workplace that resulted in the traumatic amputation of a fingertip or one of your fingers? This type of injury leaves workers with permanent disabilities, but it is often possible to obtain multiple forms of compensation. As we discussed above, in addition to seeking workers’ compensation benefits to pay for your medical care and your lost wages, you may also be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits under Maryland law based on the details of the injury and the specific finger or fingers that were amputated. Do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC for assistance. We can answer your questions today and can begin working with you on your claim for compensation.
Sources:
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/fingertip-injuries-and-amputations/
academic.oup.com/occmed/article/76/1/57/8439775
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle§ion=9-627&enactments=false