Lost Your Index Finger in a Work Injury?
Ohio owes you up to $44,835.
If you lost your index finger — or permanently lost its use — Ohio law says your award is worth up to $44,835. But loss-of-use claims are heavily disputed. You need Mike Gruhin to get your full award.
Key takeaways
- ✓An index finger injury award is worth up to $44,835 — the second-highest finger value.
- ✓Loss-of-use claims are far more complex than amputation claims — the BWC disputes them aggressively.
- ✓If you lost multiple fingers, Mike may pursue a full loss-of-hand award ($224,175).
- ✓You may qualify for additional PPD and VSSR benefits the BWC will never mention.
- ✓Mike Gruhin has 49+ years of experience winning these exact cases.
What is a scheduled loss award?
Ohio law assigns the index finger the second-highest finger value — $44,835 for 2026 injuries — because it is critical to pointing, gripping, and fine motor tasks.
But the BWC does not hand you this money. The process requires an experienced lawyer, especially for loss-of-use claims. Mike Gruhin handles every step.
2026 Ohio BWC index finger injury award
$44,835
35 weeks × $1,281 per week
Knowing the award amount is just the beginning.
The BWC does not hand you this money. You must file properly, present the right medical evidence, and fight for every dollar — especially for loss-of-use injuries, which the BWC disputes aggressively. That is what Mike Gruhin does. He has 49+ years of experience winning these exact cases.
Don’t try to navigate the BWC alone.
Mike reviews every case personally — at no charge.
Why loss-of-use claims are so difficult
Most scheduled loss claims are not amputations. They are loss-of-use claims — where you still have the body part but have permanently lost substantial function. These claims are far more complex and far more aggressively disputed by the BWC.
The BWC will argue you have not lost enough function, that the loss was pre-existing, or that you do not qualify at all. They hire their own doctors to minimize your impairment. Without an experienced lawyer building your medical and legal case, most loss-of-use claims are denied or drastically undervalued.
Mike Gruhin has spent 49+ years winning loss-of-use cases that the BWC tried to deny. He knows exactly what medical evidence is needed, which doctors to work with, and how to present your case at hearing. This is not something you can do on your own.
Lost two or more fingers? You may qualify for a full hand award.
If you lost two or more fingers in a work injury, Mike Gruhin may be able to argue for a complete loss-of-hand award — worth $224,175 instead of individual finger awards. The BWC will never suggest this. It requires specific legal strategy and medical documentation that Mike knows how to build after 49+ years of practice.
Related finger and hand injury awards
Mike evaluates your entire injury. Multiple finger injuries may support a full hand award.
Don’t leave money on the table.
The BWC will never tell you about overlapping benefits. Mike identifies every one.
Why your index finger injury may be worth more than $44,835
The $44,835 is only one benefit. Mike identifies every additional award you qualify for.
PPD — hand and grip impairment
Index finger loss significantly impacts grip. Mike documents separate PPD awards for hand impairment.
Wage loss benefits
If finger loss limits your job capacity, Mike pursues Wage Loss as a separate benefit.
VSSR — employer safety violations
Unguarded machinery causing finger injuries often involves safety violations. Mike pursues VSSR awards.
Full hand award — $224,175
If multiple fingers were injured, Mike may argue for a complete loss-of-hand award instead of individual finger awards.
Get your free finger injury case review
Tell us what happened. Mike personally responds. No fee unless we win.
Why you need Mike Gruhin for your finger injury claim
The BWC will not tell you about additional PPD, wage loss, or VSSR benefits for finger injuries. And it will never suggest pursuing a full hand award for multiple finger injuries.
Loss-of-use claims for fingers are heavily disputed. Mike knows how to document the full impact on hand function and grip.
Mike Gruhin has 49+ years of experience. He builds the case the BWC cannot ignore. No fee unless we win.
No fee unless we win. Mike works on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and you owe nothing unless he recovers benefits for you. The consultation is free, unlimited in time, and completely confidential.
49+ years fighting for injured workers across Ohio.
Mike has recovered millions in benefits for index finger injury victims.
Frequently asked questions
Your index finger injury could be worth
$44,835 — or more.
Free, unlimited-time telephone consultation. Mike personally responds. No fee unless we win.
No obligation. No upfront cost. Completely confidential.