How much money do you get for losing a limb? It depends on where you live. The average maximum compensation for an arm in the United States is $169,878. However, if you live in Alabama, you may only receive a maximum payout of $48,840 if you lose an arm on the job. Nevada pays the most for a lost arm, clocking in at $859,634.
Click on the image to display at full size
Embed Code
To obtain
the data used to create this infographic, the workers’ compensation laws of 50 states and the District of Columbia were thoroughly researched to calculate the maximum benefit that injured workers can receive for the total loss or amputation of various limbs. These calculations were cross-referenced with attorneys, judges, and state officials that serve each state. The wide variation between states has led to complicated, controversial situations.
Here is a breakdown of some of the largest limb compensation discrepancies between states.
How Much Is a Human Arm Worth in Workers’ Compensation?
- U.S. average: $169,878
- Highest state: Nevada: $859,634 ($689,756 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Alabama: $48,840 ($121,038 lower than average)
How Much Is a Human Leg Worth in Workers’ Compensation?
- U.S. average: $153,221
- Highest state: Nevada: $457,418 ($304,198 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Alabama: $44,000 ($109,221 lower than average)
How Much Is a Human Hand Worth in Workers’ Compensation?
- U.S. average: $144,930
- Highest state: Nevada: $738,967 ($594,037 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Alabama: $37,400 ($107,530 lower than average)
How Much Money Do You Get for Losing an Index Finger at Work?
- U.S. average: $24,474
- Highest state: Oregon: $93,063 ($71,250 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Maryland: $6,720 ($17,754 lower than average)
How Much Do You Get for Losing a Thumb?
- U.S. average: $42,432
- Highest state: Kentucky: $195,670 ($153,238 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Rhode Island: $13,500 ($28,932 lower than average)
How Much Is a Human Foot Worth in Workers’ Compensation?
- U.S. average: $91,779
- Highest state: Maryland: $251,802 ($160,023 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Minnesota: $26,000 ($65,779 lower than average)
How Much Compensation Is an Eye Worth?
- U.S. average: $96,700
- Highest state: Pennsylvania: $261,525 ($164,825 higher than average)
- Lowest state: Minnesota: $22,800 ($73,900 lower than average)
If you are concerned about the safety of your workplace, there are resources that can help you. OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) protects your right to refuse dangerous work. Your can refuse to do a task if all of the following are true:
- You asked your employer to address the danger and they failed to do so.
- You genuinely believe that imminent danger exists.
- A reasonable person would agree that there’s a real risk of serious injury or death.
- The hazard can’t be corrected quickly enough through enforcement measures like an OSHA inspection.
You can also take the National Safety Council’s SafeAtWork Pledge. By taking this pledge, you agree to never compromise your own safety or the safety of others to get a job done; to actively look for hazards, report them, and take action to warn others; and to be a positive safety role model for friends and family at all times.
