How much compensation for cutting a finger in a factory will I get for almost severing my finger on a sharp edge on a machine at work? My doctor told me I may never regain the full range of movement in my finger.
Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor
Editor in Chief
Although it is possible to indicate a general range of compensation for cutting a finger in a factory which should be awarded, it is not possible to accurately calculate the amount of compensation you are likely to receive. This can only be determined with detailed medical information and a prognosis from your doctor.
When a factory accident claim is submitted to the Injuries Board, it must be accompanied by a medical assessment form which should include a detailed description of the injury and a prognosis on the likelihood of making a full recovery. The Injuries Board may even arrange for you to undergo an independent medical examination before a decision can be made about how much compensation for cutting a finger in a factory is applicable.
There are a number of factors which can affect the amount of compensation other than the injury itself. Your age, sex and any pre-existing conditions have potential to affect the final compensation assessment. Also, if you contributed to the accident to some extent, compensation may be reduced to take your ‘contributory negligence’ into account.
In addition to the medical assessment form, Injuries Board assessors will consult the Book of Quantum to help calculate the value of your factory accident claim. The Book of Quantum provides ranges of compensation which are categorised by the location and nature of an injury and its severity. Using the Book of Quantum as a guide, it is likely that the range of compensation for cutting a finger in a factory should be in the region of €10,300 to €29,800 if your injury is “significant and ongoing” or between €17,900 and €47,800 is your injury has caused “serious and permanent” damage. Without further medical information on the exact nature of the damage to your finger it is not possible to narrow down the range of compensation with any degree of accuracy.
In addition to the above range of factory accident compensation, you are entitled to claim any costs associated with your injury as special damages. Special damages in a factory accident claim can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, transportation costs and any other expense which can be directly attributed to your injury that can be substantiated with receipts or invoices.
For a more accurate calculation of the level of compensation for cutting a finger in a factory you are likely to receive, you should speak with a personal injury solicitor.