While partial finger amputations are truly terrible injuries, they are by no means uncommon in the workplace. Few victims are prepared for what to do next after suffering a partial finger amputation at work.
Fortunately, Workers’ Compensation insurance law in Pennsylvania sets the rates for what an injured worker will be paid after suffering a partial amputation. However, the rate will only be 66.6% of your weekly wage. The duration you will receive benefits will depend on which finger was injured and how much of the finger was amputated.
If your fingers were partially amputated at work, our Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve. For a free case review, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
Workers’ Compensation for Partial Finger Amputations at Work in Pennsylvania
Workers’ Compensation insurance is one that all employers in Philadelphia must carry to cover the injuries their employees suffer while on the job. Workers’ Compensation is created to offer benefits to injured workers, including covering their medical costs and lost wages. Further, one does not have to demonstrate fault from an employer or any other party to receive benefits for a partial finger amputation.
The Workers’ Compensation Act sets the standard for the benefits received and for how long in the case of a partially amputated finger injury. The rate and length of time benefits are provided will depend on which finger was partially amputated. Our Bucks County Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help you get the compensation you need on your road to recovery.
The Rate of Compensation for Partial Finger Amputations at Work
In the event of a partial amputation caused by a workplace accident, the law has provisions to provide benefits. Fingers consist of three individual sections, or “phalanges,” while thumbs have two phalanges. If the first phalange of the thumb is amputated, it is treated as a complete thumb loss and compensated accordingly, as the loss renders the thumb useless. Furthermore, the loss of a significant part of the first phalange of the thumb is recognized as half of the thumb’s loss. Workers’ Compensation benefits will provide coverage that accounts for 66.6% of your wages if you suffer a partial thumb amputation.
If a substantial portion of the first phalange of a finger is lost, or if the first phalange is amputated below it for medical reasons, half of the finger’s loss will be recognized for compensation purposes. Conversely, if more than the first phalange is lost, the entire finger will be considered lost. In the event of a partial amputation, the injured worker will receive 66.6% of their wages.
Additionally, if an injured worker loses two or more fingers or experiences permanent loss of use but not a total disability, their wages will be compensated at 66.6% during the specified periods for each affected finger. Many victims of workplace amputations may not be aware of their rights or the duration of their compensation. However, our Upper Darby Workers’ Compensation lawyers are experts in work accident cases involving partially amputated fingers and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
The Duration of Compensation for Partial Finger Amputations at Work
The duration of compensation for a partial finger amputation depends on its assigned value under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation law. While partial finger amputations are compensated at the same rate as a total finger loss, they are only compensated for half the time enumerated for total finger amputations. In the event of a thumb loss, Workers’ Compensation benefits will provide coverage for 50 weeks. Meanwhile, partially losing an index finger would also entitle you to your wages for 25 weeks. The compensation timeline shortens to 20 weeks for the partial loss of a second finger. For ring and little finger amputations, coverage periods are limited to 16 and 14 weeks, respectively.
If a victim suffered a partial amputation to two or more fingers, the rate of pay would stay the same, but the duration would be for the aggregate time allowed for the partial loss of those fingers. For instance, if you partially lost your index finger and thumb in a workplace accident, you would receive 66.6% of your pay for 75 weeks. Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorneys can review your case to determine how long you are entitled to be out of work while you recover.
Common Causes for Partial Finger Amputations at Work in Pennsylvania
There are numerous causes of partially amputated fingers in workplace accidents. While some incidents may result in part of the finger being separated from the hand, many partial amputations are due to crushing injuries that necessitate surgical removal of that part. Below are the most common reasons for amputated fingers at work in Pennsylvania:
- Construction and heavy equipment-related crush injuries
- Partial amputations caused by falling objects
- Partial amputations caused by saws and other equipment
- Vehicle accidents
- Scaffolding and other structure collapses
However, there are several other ways in which amputated finger injuries can occur in the workplace. Our Montgomery County Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you regardless of how your injuries came about.
Time Limit to File a Worker’s Compensation Claim After Suffering a Partially Amputated Finger at Work in Pennsylvania
After experiencing a partially amputated finger at work, it is critical to be aware of the deadlines for submitting a Workers’ Compensation claim. You must notify your employer of your injuries within 120 days of the accident, but this is unlikely to be a problem due to the severity of the injury. Additionally, you will have three years from the date of the incident to file your Workers’ Compensation claim.
Given the gravity of the injury, these time restrictions should not be too much of a concern, as you will most likely file your Workers’ Compensation claim shortly after the injury. Nonetheless, our Berks County Workers’ Compensation attorneys can assist you in securing the maximum benefits you are entitled to.
Our Pennsylvania Attorney for Partial Finger Amputations at Work Can Help
Our experienced Pennsylvania attorneys for partial finger amputations at work can help if you suffered a serious injury to your fingers while on the job. Call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates today at (215) 355-6400 for your free case evaluation.