It takes only a moment to lose a finger or a hand on the job. A moment of distraction near a conveyor belt, a press machine or an assembly line tool can cause a life-changing injury. If you work in manufacturing, auto production or any industrial setting, you may face this risk daily.
What causes these injuries on the job?
Many hand and finger injuries can happen because of contact with moving machine parts, caught-in or caught-between accidents or improper guarding on equipment. Power presses, rollers, grinders and cutting tools are typically among the biggest hazards.
What should you do right after the injury?
Consider taking these steps as soon as possible:
- Seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Report your injury to your supervisor right away; Kentucky law requires you to notify your employer as soon as practicable.
- If possible, try to keep the amputated part wrapped in a clean cloth inside a sealed, cooled bag.
Documenting everything you can about what happened can also be beneficial.
What benefits can you receive?
Workers’ compensation can cover your medical costs and roughly two-thirds of your lost wages. There is a seven-day waiting period for temporary benefits, but if your disability lasts 15 days or more, you may recover pay for those first seven days.
For amputations, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits, paid for 425 weeks for impairment ratings of 50% or less, or 520 weeks for ratings of 51% or higher. Arm, leg and foot amputations may qualify for lifetime medical benefits under Kentucky law. Medical benefits for hand or finger amputations are limited to 780 weeks (15 years) from the date of injury, though you may petition for an extension of these medical benefits before they expire if ongoing care is reasonably necessary.
What happens if your claim is denied?
If a Kentucky workers’ compensation claim is disputed or denied, you may need to file Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims. For traumatic injury claims, the filing deadline is generally two years from the date of injury. Deadlines can vary by claim type. It might be best to act early and confirm the current rules for your specific case.
Knowing your rights matters
Amputation cases tend to be more complex than typical workplace injury claims. Understanding Kentucky’s rules around deadlines, benefit durations and medical coverage can help you make better decisions throughout the process.
