Average Workers’ Comp Settlement For Finger Injury

The average workers' comp settlement for finger injuries is about $26,300. This includes approximately $14,600 for medical expenses and $11,700 for indemnity payments.

The typical settlement range for hand injuries that allow the worker to return to full duty is $15,000 to $35,000. For more severe injuries causing permanent impairment, settlements average $55,000 to $85,000 or more.

The actual amount you will be awarded depends on the specific nature of your case. For the most accurate understanding of your potential workers' comp settlement, talk to Shutlz Legal today.

Finger Injury Cases and Settlements

$31,281.98 Settlement: A 38-year-old man severely injured his right hand in a grinding stone accident, causing lacerations and nerve and tendon damage. After surgeries and therapy, he still faces flexion and extension issues. Settlement reflects 30% loss of right hand function.

$16,101.02 Settlement: A 55-year-old man sustained arm and hand injuries from repetitive work duties, including a bicep tendon rupture and nerve issues. Treatments included cortisone injections, surgery, and post-op exercises. Settlement covered 12.5% loss of right arm, 4% loss of left arm, $3,500 in disputed TTD, and 2.347% loss of person as a whole.

$38,000 Settlement: A 55-year-old man lacerated his left hand while laying pipe, requiring surgery for extensive repairs to nerves, arteries, and tendons in multiple fingers. Post-surgery, he developed regional pain syndrome and continued to experience stiffness and swelling despite therapy. The settlement covers 30% permanent partial disability of the left hand, temporary total disability benefits, and mileage reimbursement for medical visits.

Factors Affecting Settlement Pay-Outs For Finger Injuries

Severity and Type of Injury

The nature and severity of the injury are critical in determining settlement value. Hard injuries, like fractures, crush injuries, or amputations, typically result in higher settlements than soft tissue injuries such as sprains or strains.

This is because hard injuries often require more extensive medical treatment, surgery, and longer recovery times.

If the injury causes permanent disability or disfigurement, the settlement amount can be significantly higher to account for the long-term impact on functionality, appearance, and quality of life.

Location of Injury

The location of the injury on the hand and whether it affects the dominant hand are important factors. Thumb injuries generally settle for more than other fingers because the thumb plays a key role in grasping and fine motor skills, making it essential for many everyday tasks and jobs.

Finger	Weeks of Compensation
Thumb	60 weeks
Index Finger	35 weeks
Middle Finger	30 weeks
Ring Finger	20 weeks
Pinkie	15 weeks

Occupation and Work Impact

The injured worker’s occupation heavily influences the settlement value, especially for jobs requiring manual dexterity, hand strength, or precision work, such as construction, assembly line work, or surgery. If the finger injury prevents the worker from returning to their pre-injury job or requires them to take on a new role with lower pay, the settlement may include compensation for loss of earning capacity. In cases where the injury leads to permanent restrictions that prevent the worker from performing their prior job duties, the settlement amount is likely to be higher.

Medical Treatment

The type, extent, and duration of medical treatment also affect the settlement value. For example, if the injury requires surgery, multiple rounds of physical therapy, or ongoing pain management, the compensation will likely be higher to cover these medical expenses. Treatment by doctors, hospitals, or certified specialists often holds more weight in a claim than alternative therapies, as insurers typically recognize these treatments as necessary medical care.

Impairment Rating

The impairment rating is a key factor in workers’ compensation claims, as it measures the level of permanent functional loss due to the injury. This rating is usually assigned by a doctor after the injury has stabilized and recovery has reached its maximum point. Impairment ratings for finger injuries can range widely depending on the severity of the injury and the functional impact. For example:

Low impairment ratings (5-15%) are common for less severe injuries with minimal long-term impact.
Moderate ratings (15-30%) might apply to more complex fractures or injuries that limit certain movements or strength.
High ratings (30-50%) are generally reserved for severe cases like amputations, multiple fractures, or injuries involving permanent loss of function in the affected finger(s) or hand.

A higher impairment rating typically increases the settlement value, as it reflects a greater level of disability and ongoing impact on the injured worker's ability to perform daily tasks and work duties.

Pre-Injury Wages

The worker’s earnings before the injury are also a major factor, as lost wages are a significant part of most workers' compensation settlements. Higher pre-injury wages result in higher wage replacement benefits, thus increasing the total settlement. This is particularly relevant if the injury leads to extended time off work or a permanent reduction in earning capacity due to the limitations imposed by the injury.

Age and Career Stage

The age and career stage of the injured worker can also impact the settlement value. Younger workers or those at the beginning of their careers may receive higher settlements, as the injury affects their long-term earning potential. Additionally, workers nearing retirement may receive more compensation if the injury leads to early retirement or forces them to leave the workforce prematurely.

What Finger Pays The Most?

Hand injuries affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers generally receive higher settlements than those involving the ring or little fingers. This is because the thumb, index, and middle fingers play a more critical role in grip, dexterity, and fine motor skills essential for many daily tasks and job functions.

Injuries to these fingers are more likely to result in functional limitations, potentially impacting the worker's ability to perform job duties effectively, which can lead to a higher settlement amount to compensate for the loss of ability and income.

Can You Get Disability For A Finger?

Yes, you can receive disability benefits for a finger injury if it causes permanent impairment, severe pain, or complications like nerve damage that limit daily tasks or work capacity. Eligibility is higher for injuries affecting critical fingers like the thumb, index, or middle finger, especially if your job requires fine motor skills. A medical impairment rating that reflects significant functional loss can further support a disability claim.

Get Started With Your Workers’ Comp Claim

If you’ve injured your hand on the job, navigating a workers' compensation claim can feel overwhelming. From filing paperwork to understanding benefits, the process can be complex. Our team is here to help guide you through each step, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve.

Average Workers’ Comp Settlement For Finger Injury​