Hand & Finger Injury Workers' Compensation in San Diego, 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

Hand & Finger Injury claims are reported by workers across San Diego, with settlements typically ranging from $40,000–$300,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. An experienced attorney who knows the San Diego board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Hand & Finger Injury settlement values in California range from $40,000–$300,000
  • San Diego area settlements average $62,100 across all injury types
  • Your WCAB office: 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
  • 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
  • Preserve severed digit in clean cloth wrapped in plastic bag on ice for possible replantation

Hand & Finger Injury Settlement Range

$40,000–$300,000

San Diego avg. across all injuries: $62,100

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San Diego WCAB Office

7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 767-2081

Free parking is available in the building surface lot, but it fills up quickly before 9:00 AM. Overflow parking is available on Metropolitan Drive.

Hand & Finger Injury Symptoms to Document

Traumatic amputation

Complete or partial loss of finger or thumb at the time of workplace incident

Severe bleeding

Profuse bleeding from laceration or crush injury requiring immediate emergency treatment

Inability to move fingers

Loss of finger movement suggesting tendon laceration or nerve damage

Numbness and tingling

Loss of sensation in fingers or hand indicating nerve injury

Severe pain and swelling

Intense pain with rapid swelling suggesting fracture or vascular damage

Visible deformity

Abnormal appearance of fingers or hand indicating fracture, dislocation, or crush injury

Loss of grip strength

Inability to grasp, pinch, or hold objects after injury healing

Permanent stiffness

Reduced finger flexibility and range of motion despite therapy

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

Emergency amputation surgery

Surgical completion of partial amputation and wound closure

Typical timeline: Immediate emergency procedure with 6-12 weeks healing

Covered

Microsurgical replantation

Attempted reattachment of completely severed digit if viable

Typical timeline: Emergency procedure with 6-12 months recovery and therapy

Covered

Tendon repair surgery

Microsurgical reconnection of severed flexor or extensor tendons

Typical timeline: 3-6 months recovery with extensive hand therapy

Covered

Nerve repair

Surgical repair of damaged digital nerves to restore sensation

Typical timeline: 6-18 months for nerve regeneration, sensation may be incomplete

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Hand & Finger Injury Settlement in San Diego

Which digit is lost

Thumb valued highest, followed by index and middle fingers

Pinky finger: $50,000-$80,000 vs. Thumb: $150,000-$250,000

Level of amputation

More proximal amputations result in higher disability

Fingertip: $40,000-$70,000 vs. Full finger: $80,000-$150,000

Number of digits lost

Multiple digit loss dramatically increases value

Single finger: $80,000 vs. Three fingers: $250,000-$400,000

Dominant vs. non-dominant hand

Dominant hand injuries receive 30-50% higher settlements

Non-dominant hand: $100,000 vs. Dominant hand: $150,000

Filing Your Hand & Finger Injury Claim in San Diego

  • Preserve severed digit in clean cloth wrapped in plastic bag on ice for possible replantation
  • Seek immediate emergency treatment; time is critical for microsurgery success
  • Take photographs of the accident scene, machinery, and safety guard failures
  • Document your occupation's manual requirements and how injury affects your work
  • Obtain witness statements from coworkers who saw the accident
  • Request OSHA investigation of machinery or safety violations
  • Keep detailed records of all hand therapy sessions and functional progress
  • Get comprehensive hand surgeon evaluation before permanent disability rating
  • Consider vocational evaluation if you cannot return to previous occupation
  • Don't settle until fully understanding lifelong prosthetic and medical needs
  • The San Diego WCAB office is at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Hand & Finger Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in San Diego

View all San Diego workers' comp info →

Hand & Finger Injury in San Diego FAQ

What is the average hand & finger injury workers' comp settlement in San Diego?

Hand & Finger Injury settlements in California typically range from $40,000–$300,000. The overall average settlement in San Diego is $62,100. 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 hand & finger injury workers' comp claim in San Diego?

San Diego workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 767-2081. 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 hand & finger injury workers' comp case take in San Diego?

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

Injured at Work in San Diego?

Our attorneys handle hand & finger injury claims at the San Diego 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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