Workplace Amputation Injury Settlement Calculator

Workplace amputations qualify for both workers compensation scheduled benefits (paid by your employer's WC insurer) and potential third-party tort claims (against the machine manufacturer, equipment supplier, or general contractor). Workers comp is no-fault but capped by state schedules — usually 25 to 375 weeks at 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Third-party tort recovery covers pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and is uncapped in most states.

Workers Comp Scheduled Loss Awards

Every state publishes a schedule assigning a fixed number of weeks of benefits for each body part: thumb 60-75 weeks, full hand 200-244 weeks, arm 250-375 weeks, leg 240-312 weeks. Benefits equal two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, subject to state min/max. A worker earning $1,200/week who loses a hand might receive about $195,000 ($800/wk × 244 weeks) in scheduled benefits, plus medical and prosthetic costs. Workers comp is no-fault, so eligibility doesn't depend on proving anyone was negligent.

Why Third-Party Claims Multiply Recovery

Workers comp prevents you from suing your employer, but you CAN sue any other party whose negligence caused the injury: the machine manufacturer (defective guard or e-stop), the equipment maintenance contractor, the general contractor on a multi-employer site, the property owner, or a co-worker employed by a different company. Third-party tort claims recover full damages including pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and lost future earning capacity — often 5-20x the workers comp value. Your WC insurer has a subrogation right to be reimbursed from third-party recovery for benefits already paid.

Last updated May 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.