loss of use in workplace injuries

Many people are aware that when someone has suffered a workplace injury in which a finger is amputated they can receive a lump sum payment for scheduled loss.  What many don't know is that if a injury occurs and the functional ability of the finger is gone, the injured worker may be able to obtain the same amount as if the finger where amputated.

The reasoning for such an award is found in the case of State ex rel. Gassmann v. Indus. Comm. (1975), 41 OhioSt.2d 64, 67.  The rule pursuant to Gassman is loss of use of body parts is compensable if it is “to the same effect and extent as if they had been amputated or otherwise physically removed.”   If such a loss has occurred, the amount of the award is determined by the payment schedule found here.  Next time, we show how to understand the payment schedule and apply it to an example.