Amputation Workers' Compensation in Pasadena, 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 reported by workers across Pasadena, with settlements typically ranging from $150,000–$500,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in Pasadena is $71,300. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. An experienced attorney who knows the Pasadena board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Amputation settlement values in California range from $150,000–$500,000+
  • Pasadena area settlements average $71,300 across all injury types
  • Your WCAB office: 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
  • 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+

Pasadena avg. across all injuries: $71,300

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Pasadena WCAB Office

320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 576-7335

Served by Downtown LA WCAB. Metro Gold Line to Pershing Square recommended. Parking at Grand Central Market garage.

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 Pasadena

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 Pasadena

  • 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 Pasadena WCAB office is at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Amputation Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Pasadena

View all Pasadena workers' comp info →

Amputation in Pasadena FAQ

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

Amputation settlements in California typically range from $150,000–$500,000+. The overall average settlement in Pasadena is $71,300. 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 Pasadena?

Pasadena workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Phone: (213) 576-7335. 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 Pasadena?

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

Injured at Work in Pasadena?

Our attorneys handle amputation claims at the Pasadena 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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