Compensation for an Amputated Finger at Work

 

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Workplace injuries can have a severe impact on an individual’s physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Among these, the amputation of a finger is a significant injury that not only affects daily functionality but also result in long-term consequences.

In such cases, employees who suffer this kind of finger injury at work are often entitled to compensation under workplace injury or workers’ compensation law.

If you have suffered from an injury that lead to an amputated finger through no fault of your own, you could be eligible to compensation for an amputated finger at work. Contact Beacon Law today to get in touch with one of our personal injury solicitors to start your claim on a no win no fee basis.

Common accidents that lead to compensation for an amputated finger at work

Accidents at work resulting in the amputation of a finger are often associated with specific hazards and unsafe conditions. Such accidents typically occur in industries where employees are exposed to high-risk machinery or tools. Below are some common causes that can lead to claims for compensation:

Machinery Accidents

  • Unsecured machinery: Workers using machinery such as presses, drills, or saws without adequate safety guards may be at risk of finger amputations.
  • Entanglement: Clothing, gloves, or fingers caught in moving parts of machinery can result in severe injuries.
  • Malfunctioning equipment: Faulty or poorly maintained machinery can fail unexpectedly, leading to accidents.

Handling Sharp Tools or Objects

  • Improper tool use: Using tools like knives, cutters, or shears without proper training or safety measures increases the risk of finger injuries.
  • Accidental slips: Mishandling sharp tools can result in severe cuts or amputations. 

Crushing Accidents

  • Heavy equipment: Fingers can be crushed or severed during the operation of heavy machinery, such as forklifts or hydraulic presses.
  • Manual handling: Moving or assembling heavy objects without proper precautions can lead to accidents. 

Industrial or Construction Site Hazards

  • Falling objects: Tools or materials dropped from heights can cause injuries to fingers.
  • Power tools: High-speed tools used in construction, such as circular saws, pose significant risks. 

Lack of Safety Training or Equipment

  • Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Absence of gloves or finger guards can leave workers vulnerable to injuries.
  • Insufficient training: Employees unfamiliar with safety protocols or machinery operation are more likely to experience accidents. 

Electrical and Chemical Hazards

  • Electrocution: Electrical currents passing through fingers can cause severe burns or necessitate amputation.
  • Chemical exposure: Prolonged exposure to corrosive substances may lead to tissue damage, requiring surgical removal. 

Human Error or Negligence

  • Co-worker mistakes: Errors made by colleagues, such as mishandling tools or failing to follow safety protocols, can cause injuries.
  • Employer negligence: A failure to maintain a safe working environment, such as ignoring safety regulations or failing to repair hazardous equipment, can lead to preventable accidents.

Your employers’ responsibilities

Safety at work is extremely important. Your employer has a duty of care towards you and is obligated by law (the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) to minimise the risk of accidents in the workplace.

Your employer must always provide appropriate training and where necessary the correct and suitable equipment to help you perform your duties safely. If an accident does occur in the workplace, then your employer must report it to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Health and safety laws and legislation have significantly increased the level of protection open to employees. There are numerous written health and safety regulations and laws designed to prevent workplace accidents and any breach of these regulations can cause accidents with undesirable consequences. The Health and Safety Executive have set out guidance on their website for employers to assist in the implementation of Health and Safety Legislation on the workplace.

If you have suffered an injury in the workplace as a result of your employer failing to put safety measures in place, you will have grounds to make a workplace injury claim.

What is the process of making an amputated finger at work claim?

During your initial consultation, our specialist injury solicitors will provide you with legal advice about amputated finger at work claims and will inform you about the relevant limitation rules.

Our personal injury lawyers will then ask you for details about your accident and the initial injuries that were suffered as a result. This will help our injury lawyers to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful.

In the early stages of pursuing compensation for an amputated finger at work, it is crucial to gather all relevant evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include CCTV footage of the incident, medical records, accident reports, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements.

Your solicitor may also recommend undergoing a formal medical examination to obtain detailed medical reports regarding your injuries. These reports serve as essential evidence, outlining the nature and extent of the harm you have sustained. Even if you have already received medical care, a comprehensive assessment may still be necessary to ensure the medical reports are accurate, thorough, and reliable.

If we think that your amputated finger at work claim would be likely to succeed, we will offer a no win, no fee basis; if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

What are the time limits for amputated finger at work claims?

Before starting your claim, it is important to note that there are strict time limits on personal injury claims. From the date of the accident that caused the injuries, the injured party will have 3 years to commence proceedings for claiming compensation.

It must be noted, however, that there are some exceptions to this rule:

For example, if the claimant was under the age of 18 at the time of the incident, they have until their 21st birthday to make their finger injury compensation claim. In the meantime, provided that the claimant is still under the age of 18, a litigation friend such as a parent, guardian, or close family member could claim compensation on their behalf.

Another exception to the 3 year time limit occurs when the claimant who has suffered an injury does not have the mental capacity to begin their accident claim. Rather than being limited to making a claim within 3 years from the date of the incident, the claimant is entitled to begin their compensation claim at any moment in time once they regain the mental capacity to do so.

What amount of compensation for an amputated finger at work could I receive?

The amount of compensation you may receive for an amputated finger at work depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, its impact on your life, and the laws in your jurisdiction. Compensation generally falls into two categories:

 

General Damages

This compensates for the pain and suffering caused by the injury. The amount will depend on:

  • Which finger was amputated: Losing a thumb generally results in higher compensation than losing an index finger or ring finger, for example, as the thumb is critical for hand function.
  • Whether the amputation is partial or complete.
  • Impact on daily life: This includes how the injury affects your ability to work, perform everyday tasks, and engage in hobbies.

 

Special Damages

This covers financial losses related to the injury, such as:

  • Medical expenses (past and future).
  • Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and prosthetics.
  • Loss of earnings or reduced earning capacity.
  • Costs of adapting your home or workplace if necessary.

 

Estimated Compensation Range

While the exact amount varies by location and case specifics, here are some general guidelines:

  • Partial amputation of a finger: £4,000–£15,000 (in the UK).
  • Complete loss of a finger: £8,000–£30,000.
  • Loss of multiple fingers: £50,000 or more, depending on severity.
  • Loss of a thumb: Often compensates more significantly, potentially reaching £40,000 or higher.

We will negotiate a settlement with the Defendant based on our valuation of your injuries using judicial college guidelines.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law are a law firm of specialist personal injury solicitors. We have helped many of our clients with compensation for an amputated finger at work. If you would like to discuss your potential claim or have any queries about the amount of compensation you may receive, our team can help.

You can request an initial consultation by completing the online help form, and an experienced solicitor will contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 1332 857, and we will be happy to assist you with your query.

Beacon Law are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our no win, no fee funding options, have a look at the funding section on our website.

Make a Claim

Contact us today to find out if you have a claim.

Use our Contact Forms or Call 0330 1332 857

Contact Us

 

General Enquiries:

0161 428 1234

New Claims:

0330 1332 857

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0161 239 1072

Address

Beacon Law

1st Floor

Shirley House

12 Gatley Road

Cheadle

Cheshire

SK8 1PY

Last Updated on January 13, 2025 by Stacey