Losing a limb on the job is life-changing. Whether it’s a finger, hand, arm, leg, or foot, an amputation can permanently impact your ability to work, care for yourself, and enjoy daily life. If this happened to you or a loved one, you may be entitled to significant compensation under California’s workers’ compensation system.
In this post, we break down how amputation claims are handled in California workers’ comp and what your case could be worth.
🔹 What Types of Amputations Are Covered by Workers’ Comp in California?
Any work-related amputation injury is covered, including:
- Finger or thumb amputations
- Partial or full hand amputations
- Arm amputations above or below the elbow
- Leg amputations above or below the knee
- Foot or toe amputations
- Multiple limb amputations
It doesn’t matter if the injury occurred in a construction accident, factory incident, machinery malfunction, or vehicle crash — if it arose out of and in the course of your employment, you’re covered.
🔹 How Are Amputation Settlements Calculated?
Several factors determine the value of an amputation case:
1. Permanent Disability Rating
California workers’ comp uses a Permanent Disability (PD) rating system to quantify how much your earning capacity is reduced. Amputations often result in high PD ratings, especially when they affect dominant limbs or prevent return to work.
2. Future Medical Care
You’re entitled to lifetime medical care for your injury, including:
- Prosthetics and replacements
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery and revisions
- Pain management
The cost of these future benefits increases your claim’s value — especially if you’re young or require expensive long-term care.
3. Temporary Disability (Lost Wages)
You may receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments while you recover. These are based on two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
4. Return-to-Work Prospects
If your employer cannot accommodate you, or if you’re unable to return to your prior job, you may be eligible for:
- Supplemental Job Displacement Vouchers
- Retraining funds
- Loss of future earning capacity
5. Age and Occupation
Younger claimants and those in physically demanding jobs tend to receive higher settlements, as the impact on long-term earning potential is greater.
🔹 Average Workers’ Comp Amputation Settlement Amounts in California
While each case is unique, here are rough ranges for average settlement values:
| Injury Type | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Finger (Partial to Full) Amputation | $25,000 – $80,000 |
| Thumb Amputation | $40,000 – $120,000 |
| Hand Amputation | $100,000 – $350,000 |
| Below-Elbow Amputation | $150,000 – $500,000 |
| Above-Elbow Amputation | $200,000 – $750,000 |
| Below-Knee Amputation | $175,000 – $600,000 |
| Above-Knee Amputation | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
💡 Note: These figures are based on real California cases and include estimated permanent disability, future medical, and wage loss — but do not include pain and suffering, as workers’ comp does not cover that.
🔹 Can You Sue Outside of Workers’ Comp for an Amputation?
Sometimes. While workers’ compensation is generally the exclusive remedy against your employer, you may be able to pursue a separate civil lawsuit under certain circumstances — and these cases can be worth millions.
You may have a third-party claim if:
- A subcontractor, vendor, or property owner caused or contributed to the accident
- The injury involved defective machinery, equipment failure, or lack of proper safety features
- The employer committed serious and willful misconduct, such as ignoring known hazards or failing to follow Cal/OSHA regulations
Unlike workers’ comp, civil lawsuits allow you to recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme recklessness
💼 EFLL Has the Experience to Handle Both
At Employees First Labor Law, we don’t just handle workers’ comp — we also have a dedicated civil litigation team experienced in third-party liability, product defect, and serious & willful misconduct cases. We know how to strategically pursue both claims at once to maximize your total recovery.
If your amputation was caused by negligence or dangerous equipment, we’ll investigate every avenue to hold all responsible parties accountable — not just your employer.
🔹 What Should You Do After a Workplace Amputation?
- Get Immediate Medical Attention – Your health comes first.
- Report the Injury – Notify your employer as soon as possible.
- File a DWC-1 Claim Form – To begin your workers’ comp claim.
- Consult a Workers’ Comp Attorney – These cases are complex and high-value — don’t go it alone.
🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?
At Employees First Labor Law, we specialize in catastrophic workplace injury cases — including amputation, paralysis, and death claims. We’ve recovered millions for California workers, and we know how to maximize your benefits and fight for every dollar you deserve.
✅ Contact Us for a Free Amputation Case Review
If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation on the job, call us today for a free consultation. There are strict time limits, and you only get one chance to settle your case right.
📞 (310) 853-3461
📩 Or fill out our confidential contact form
