Workplace Amputation Injuries: What You Need to Know About Your Rights in California
Losing a limb is one of the most catastrophic injuries a worker can suffer. Whether it’s a finger, hand, foot, or entire limb, amputation permanently alters your life, your ability to work, and your long-term health.
Unfortunately, these injuries happen far more often than people think—especially on the job.
⚠️ Common Work-Related Amputation Injuries
You may be at risk if your job involves:
Forklifts or heavy equipment that can crush hands or legs
Power saws and drills that can sever fingers or limbs instantly
Press machines or conveyors that trap and amputate body parts
Meat slicers and food processing blades (common in food industry injuries)
Crane or hoist accidents in warehouse or construction sites
Explosions or electrical burns causing tissue death and requiring surgical amputation
Slip and falls with compound fractures leading to loss of limbs
Vehicle accidents while on duty (delivery drivers, utility workers)
Even something like stepping on a rusty nail can lead to infection and, if untreated, a medically necessary amputation.
💡 You May Be Entitled to More Than You Think
Under California Workers’ Compensation law, amputations are treated differently than other injuries. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a top-rated work comp injury attorney near you who understands the system and knows how to fight for everything you’re entitled to.
⏳ Extended Time Off Work After Amputation
While most injured workers receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for up to 104 weeks, amputation cases qualify for up to 240 weeks under Labor Code §4656(c)(3).
That means you may be eligible for nearly five years of wage replacement benefits as you recover, retrain, and adapt to your new reality.
🧠 Additional Compensation for Emotional and Physical Impact
Many amputation cases involve:
Post-Traumatic Stress
Depression or anxiety
Sleep disturbance
Sexual dysfunction
Unlike other injuries, these consequences may be compensable under Labor Code §4660.1(c)(2)—giving you higher whole person impairment (WPI) and increased permanent disability benefits.
A skilled California workers’ compensation amputation attorney will know how to document and pursue these benefits aggressively.
🦿 Prosthetics, Future Care, and Fighting the Insurance Companies
Here’s the truth: Insurance companies don’t want to pay for high-quality prosthetics—and they certainly don’t want to cover multiple replacements throughout your lifetime.
That’s why having former defense attorneys like David A. Lee and Michael Lee on your side matters. We’ve handled catastrophic cases from the insurer’s side. Now, we use that experience to maximize your treatment, prosthetic quality, and long-term medical benefits.
💥 Even If You’re Not Sure It’s Work-Related — Call Us Anyway
Many workers don't realize their amputation may be covered under workers’ comp. For example:
A diabetic worker steps on a nail while working in a warehouse. A few weeks later, they lose their foot due to infection. That’s a compensable consequence injury — meaning it’s covered under Workers' Comp because it wouldn’t have happened without the workplace accident.
👨⚖️ We’re Here to Help You and Your Family
An amputation affects everything—your mobility, your income, your independence, and your future. At Lee Partners Law, we help injured workers across Los Angeles, Valley Village, Riverside, and the entire Inland Empire get the treatment and benefits they deserve.
You don’t need to face this alone.
We’re the best attorneys near you for catastrophic work injuries, and we’ll fight like hell to protect your rights.
📞 Suffered a Work-Related Amputation?
Call Lee Partners Law today to speak directly with David A. Lee or Michael Lee—experienced catastrophic injury lawyers and former defense attorneys who know exactly how to handle these cases.
We offer free consultations, and you never pay unless we win.
For more information on other legal topics please see: Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in CA?