You use your hands for almost everything, at work and at home. Losing strength, movement or a finger can change how you earn a living and how you live your life. Philly Injury Lawyer helps workers with hand and wrist injuries get the treatment and full benefits they’re owed.
How Hand and Wrist Injuries Happen at Work
- Machines without proper guards
- Crush injuries from doors, presses and equipment
- Cuts from knives, saws and sharp materials
- Falls onto an outstretched hand
- Repetitive gripping, typing and scanning
Common diagnoses include fractures, tendon and ligament tears, amputations, nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome and burns.
What Workers’ Comp Covers
- Emergency care, surgery and hand therapy
- Wage-loss benefits while you heal
- Specific loss benefits for losing a finger, thumb or hand, or permanently losing its use
- Disfigurement benefits in some cases of serious scarring
The number of weeks depends on the body part. See the benefits chart.
When a Machine Is to Blame
If a machine was missing a guard or safety switch, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. That claim can pay for pain and suffering and other losses workers’ comp doesn’t cover. See Factory and Machine Operator Injuries.
Hurt Your Hand at Work? Call Us
Call (215) 735-4800 for a free consultation. We Win or It’s Free®.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I didn’t lose my finger, but can’t use it?
You may still get specific loss benefits if you’ve permanently lost use of it for all practical purposes.
Do specific loss benefits replace my regular checks?
Generally, specific loss is paid on its own schedule, and you may also receive wage-loss benefits while you heal. The rules are detailed, so talk to us.
Is carpal tunnel covered?
Yes. See Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workers’ Comp.
Pennsylvania Law in Plain English
Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act sets a schedule of specific loss benefits for losing fingers, thumbs and hands, or their use. MedlinePlus explains common hand injuries.
