Amputation Workers' Compensation in Fresno, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Amputation claims are common in Fresno's Agriculture & Farming and Food Processing sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $150,000–$500,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in Fresno is $58,400. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721. An experienced attorney who knows the Fresno board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Amputation settlement values in California range from $150,000–$500,000+
  • Fresno area settlements average $58,400 across all injury types
  • Key Fresno industries with amputation risk: Agriculture & Farming, Food Processing
  • Your WCAB office: 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721
  • Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
  • Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
  • Report the amputation immediately - these cases typically involve emergency medical care and obvious injury

Amputation Settlement Range

$150,000–$500,000+

Fresno avg. across all injuries: $58,400

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How Amputations Happen in Fresno

Farm equipment including harvesters, tractors, and processing machinery can cause devastating amputation injuries.

Industrial slicers, grinders, and processing machinery cause devastating amputation injuries in food processing plants.

Fresno's economy relies heavily on Agriculture & Farming, Food Processing, making amputation claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

Fresno WCAB Office

2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 445-5051

Underground parking is available at the spiraled garage on Van Ness & Tulare. We validate parking for our clients during court appearances.

Amputation Symptoms to Document

Phantom limb sensations

Feeling as if the missing limb is still present, including itching, tingling, or movement sensations in the absent body part

Phantom limb pain

Chronic pain felt in the missing limb, often described as burning, cramping, shooting, or stabbing sensations

Residual limb pain

Pain in the remaining stump from nerve damage, bone spurs, neuromas, or poor healing

Prosthetic fit issues

Skin breakdown, sores, and discomfort from prosthetic device contact and pressure points

Psychological distress

Depression, anxiety, grief, body image issues, and PTSD related to the traumatic loss

Balance and coordination problems

Difficulty with balance, walking, and coordination requiring physical therapy and adaptation

Overuse injuries

Strain on remaining limbs and joints from compensating for the lost body part

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

Surgical amputation and wound closure

Initial surgical procedure to remove the damaged limb and shape the residual limb for prosthetic fitting

Typical timeline: Emergency or planned surgery, 2-4 weeks hospitalization

Covered

Revision surgery

Additional procedures to address complications, improve stump shape, or remove painful neuromas

Typical timeline: As needed, may occur months or years after initial amputation

Covered

Prosthetic fitting and training

Custom prosthetic device fabrication, fitting, and extensive training on use

Typical timeline: Initial fitting at 4-8 weeks, training over 3-6 months

Covered

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Strength training, balance work, gait training, and functional adaptation

Typical timeline: 6-12 months intensive, ongoing maintenance

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Amputation Settlement in Fresno

Body part lost

Major limbs (arm, leg) result in higher settlements than digits

Single finger: $25,000-$100,000 vs. Above-knee amputation: $400,000-$700,000+

Level of amputation

Higher amputations (above elbow/knee) result in greater disability and higher settlements

Below-knee: $350,000-$500,000 vs. Above-knee: $450,000-$700,000+

Dominant vs. non-dominant

Loss of dominant limb increases settlement by 20-40%

Right-handed worker losing right hand: $300,000+ vs. left hand: $200,000+

Occupation and earning capacity

Manual labor workers receive higher settlements due to greater impact on earning capacity

Construction worker with arm loss may receive $100,000+ more than office worker

Filing Your Amputation Claim in Fresno

  • Report the amputation immediately - these cases typically involve emergency medical care and obvious injury
  • Preserve evidence of the accident scene, especially unguarded machinery or OSHA violations
  • Request copies of safety training records, machine maintenance logs, and incident reports
  • Begin psychological treatment early - depression and PTSD are common and compensable
  • Get evaluated by a certified prosthetist for lifetime prosthetic needs assessment
  • Document all activities you can no longer perform for permanent disability evaluation
  • Track phantom limb pain and other ongoing symptoms in a daily journal
  • Request vocational rehabilitation evaluation if you cannot return to your previous job
  • Do not settle until prosthetic needs are fully evaluated and lifetime costs calculated
  • Consider applying for Social Security Disability in addition to workers' comp benefits
  • The Fresno WCAB office is at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Amputation Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Fresno

View all Fresno workers' comp info →

Amputation in Fresno FAQ

What is the average amputation workers' comp settlement in Fresno?

Amputation settlements in California typically range from $150,000–$500,000+. The overall average settlement in Fresno is $58,400. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.

Where do I file a amputation workers' comp claim in Fresno?

Fresno workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 445-5051. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.

How long does a amputation workers' comp case take in Fresno?

Most amputation cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Fresno WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Fresno board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Fresno industries have the highest amputation risk?

In Fresno, amputation claims are most common in the Agriculture & Farming, Food Processing industries. Agricultural injuries are common here; we know the specific safety regs.

Injured at Work in Fresno?

Our attorneys handle amputation claims at the Fresno WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.

Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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