A Guide to Workers’ Comp Finger Injury Settlements in Illinois

What Types of Finger Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Comp?

There are multiple types of finger injuries that can occur on the job, either on-site in a workplace or off-site when performing various duties. Causes of finger injuries can include accidents such as slips and falls, heavy lifting, falling objects, car accidents, and others. Injuries may be immediate or develop over a period of time as a result of repeated stress on the various muscles, joints, or tendons that comprise the fingers.

Some of the most common types of finger injuries that occur include:

• Sprains: Finger sprains occur when the ligaments that support the joints are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting, impact, or overextension. These injuries typically result in pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bending or straightening the finger.
• Strains: A strain affects the muscles or tendons in the finger, usually caused by overuse or repetitive motion. Workers who perform repetitive tasks may experience finger strains that cause stiffness, weakness, and localized discomfort.
• Bruises: Bruises occur when a finger sustains direct impact from a heavy object or collision, damaging the underlying blood vessels without breaking the skin. Bruises often cause swelling, discoloration, and tenderness.
• Tendon Injuries (Mallet Finger): Mallet finger happens when the tendon that straightens the fingertip is damaged, typically due to a sudden force that bends the tip of the finger. This injury can leave the fingertip drooping and unable to fully extend, requiring splinting or even surgery.
• Dislocations: A finger dislocation occurs when the bones in a finger joint are forced out of alignment, usually from a fall or machinery-related accident. Dislocations can cause intense pain, visible deformity, swelling, and reduced finger mobility until properly realigned.
• Crushing Injuries: Often seen in construction, manufacturing, or warehousing environments, crushing injuries happen when a finger is caught between heavy objects or machinery. These injuries can lead to severe tissue damage, fractures, or even amputation, depending on the severity.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Though primarily a wrist condition, carpal tunnel syndrome affects finger function, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Caused by pressure on the median nerve, it leads to numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty performing fine motor tasks.

Settlements for Finger Injuries That Require Surgery

Finger injuries that require surgery are often more severe and can lead to long-term or even permanent limitations in hand function. When surgery is necessary—whether for a fracture, tendon repair, nerve damage, or reconstruction—the recovery process is typically longer, more complex, and more expensive. In these cases, workers’ compensation settlements tend to reflect the seriousness of the injury and the lasting impact it may have on your ability to work.

Several factors influence the value of a settlement for finger injuries requiring surgery, including:

• The type and extent of the injury 

• The complexity of the surgery and the potential for complications
• Recovery time and whether the worker can return to the same job
• Permanent loss of function or mobility in the affected finger(s)

• Whether additional surgeries or physical therapy are needed

In general, the more invasive the treatment and the greater the long-term impact on your hand’s functionality, the higher the potential settlement. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help ensure you receive a fair settlement that accounts for current medical bills, lost wages, and any permanent disability or reduced earning capacity.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Finger Injury in Illinois

If you've suffered a finger injury on the job in Illinois, it’s important to act quickly and follow the proper steps to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Report the Injury to Your Employer: Notify your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Illinois law requires that you report a work-related injury within 45 days, but it’s best to do so immediately to avoid delays or disputes.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get medical treatment right away, even if the injury seems minor. Let the doctor know that your injury is work-related, as this helps link your medical records to your claim. Your employer may have a preferred provider network, but you generally have the right to choose your own doctor.
3. Document Everything: Keep records of your injury, including how it happened, medical visits, prescriptions, and any time you’ve missed from work. This documentation will support your claim and help demonstrate the extent of your injury and its impact on your ability to work.
4. File a Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC): While your employer should report the injury to their insurance carrier, you may also need to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the IWCC to protect your rights—especially if your claim is denied or delayed.
5. Follow All Medical Advice and Attend Appointments: Following your doctor’s treatment plan and attending all appointments shows that you’re actively trying to recover, which can positively affect your case and your potential settlement.
6. Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: It’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the full benefits you’re entitled to.

Taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your workers’ comp claim.

Average Workers' Comp Settlement for a Finger Injury in Illinois

The amount you can expect from a workers’ compensation settlement for a finger injury in Illinois varies widely depending on several factors. These include the severity of the injury, whether surgery was required, the extent of permanent impairment, and how much your ability to work has been affected.

On average, most finger injury settlements in Illinois typically range from $20,000 to $75,000. Minor injuries like sprains or bruises may fall at the lower end, while more serious cases involving fractures, tendon repairs, or partial amputations often result in higher compensation. Injuries that cause lasting disability or significantly reduce your ability to perform your job may push settlements toward the upper end or beyond this range.

What Are the Requirements to Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Finger Injury?

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for a finger injury in Illinois, you must meet certain legal requirements. 

Here are some of the requirements:

• The Injury Must Be Work-Related: Your finger injury must have occurred while performing your job duties. Whether it happened on the job site, during a work-related commute, or while using equipment or tools for work, there must be a clear connection between your injury and your employment.
• Timely Reporting of the Injury: Illinois law requires you to report your finger injury to your employer promptly, ideally immediately or within 45 days of the injury. Failure to report within this timeframe can jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.
• Medical Evidence of the Injury: You must seek medical treatment and obtain documentation confirming the diagnosis and the work-related nature of your finger injury. Medical records and doctors’ reports are essential to substantiate your claim.
• The Injury Must Result in Disability or Medical Expenses: To receive workers’ comp benefits, your injury must cause you to miss work (temporary disability) or result in medical expenses. Even if you don’t miss work, medical treatment costs are generally covered.

Meeting these requirements helps ensure your finger injury claim will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you face challenges or your claim is denied, consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights.

Should I Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney for My Finger Injury Settlement?

While you can file a workers’ compensation claim on your own, hiring an experienced attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

A workers’ comp attorney can help by:

• Making sure your finger injury is thoroughly documented and reported to meet all legal requirements
• Accurately calculating the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and potential disability
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure the highest possible settlement on your behalf
• Representing you in hearings or disputes before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, if needed

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and many injured workers don’t realize the full worth of their claim. If your injury is serious, your claim has been denied or delayed, or you feel pressured to accept a quick settlement, consulting an attorney is crucial. They can protect your rights and help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

Get the Help You Need with a Reliable Finger Injury Workers’ Comp Firm

When you work with the professionals here at Vasilatos Injury Law, we’ll work with you to file a finger injury workers’ compensation claim and provide representation either in or out of court. We work hard to cover every aspect of a case and can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will be able to provide an accurate assessment of your case and determine how your injury has impacted your life and abilities. If we determine that you have a viable case, we will help you recover the benefits you deserve, including compensation for all lost wages and treatment.

Workers’ Comp Settlement Amounts for Finger Injuries

Compensation for finger injuries can vary from case to case and severity of the injury itself. Here are some success stories from clients we’ve represented.