When considering the effects of an accident, most people imagine severe injuries, which may include back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or broken bones. You rarely picture finger injuries, which could rob you of the use of your hands. Fortunately, there is compensation available for finger injury victims in California when the accident was caused by negligence.
How much is a finger worth in a lawsuit? This article reviews finger injury damages and the factors that affect their value. If you have been injured in a car accident, consult our Huntington Beach Personal Injury Attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to learn about your rights.
Common Types of Finger Injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 143,000 hand-related work injuries were reported in 2015, coming second to back injuries. The US Department of Labor also reports that finger and hand injuries accounted for more than 23 percent of all recorded injuries.
Finger and hand injuries are not the deadliest or most fatal, but they can impact your day to day activities. The following are some examples of finger injuries:
- Cuts and lacerations, which are minor when they pierce the skin but severe if they slice through tendons, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Amputations
- Avulsion, or ripping off of some soft tissue
- Fingernail injury
- Broken or fractured phalanges, which are the bones in the fingers
- Soft tissue damage
Factors That Impact the Value of a Finger Injury Claim
A study by the National Safety Council shows that the cost of a single finger injury could cost between $540 and $26,000 in medical bills alone. Your compensation should cover your medical bills and other related losses, which means the exact value will vary from case to case.
Some of the factors that influence the value of your finger injury claim include:
- Impact on Life
The judge will weigh the impact the injury will have on your life. For example, if you are a renowned guitarist and lose a finger from your playing hand, you may receive more compensation than a plaintiff with no hobby or job that requires manual dexterity.
- Prior Injury
The defendant may argue that your previous injury made you susceptible to re-injury. While this may not negate liability, it could lower the value of your case.
- Type of Finger
Loss of function or amputation of the index and middle finger tends to result in a higher payout than injury to the ring and little finger. Loss of function to the thumb calls for the highest compensation.
- Deformity
If your finger injury leads to permanent deformity or loss of movement, you may receive the full value of the pain and suffering portion of your claim.
How Can a Huntington Beach Lawyer Help You?
How much is a finger worth in a lawsuit? When it comes to finger injuries, the value of your settlement will often depend on several factors, such as the level of damage, and whether it causes a deformity. It may also vary depending on the pain and suffering caused by your accident.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Huntington Beach Personal Injury Attorneys are dedicated to defending your rights. If you have sustained a finger injury in an accident, contact us at 213-985-1120 to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers to discuss your legal rights.