Lost a Metacarpal Bone in a Work Injury?
Ohio owes you up to $12,810.
If you lost a metacarpal bone — or permanently lost its function — in a workplace accident, Ohio law guarantees a fixed cash award of up to $12,810. Metacarpal injuries often accompany finger injuries, which may qualify for separate awards.
Key takeaways
- ✓Ohio BWC pays $12,810 for loss of a metacarpal (10 weeks × $1,281/week for 2026 injuries).
- ✓Metacarpal injuries often accompany finger injuries — each with its own separate award.
- ✓You can receive this award even if you returned to work.
- ✓A scheduled loss award is separate from PPD, TTD, and Wage Loss benefits.
- ✓A lawyer ensures every overlapping benefit is filed.
What is a scheduled loss award?
The metacarpal bones form the structure of the hand between the wrist and fingers. Under R.C. 4123.57(B), the loss of a metacarpal bone adds 10 weeks to the scheduled loss award for the corresponding finger or thumb — for example, loss of a thumb plus its metacarpal yields 70 weeks (60 + 10) rather than 60.
For 2026, the 10-week metacarpal add-on is worth $12,810 (10 weeks at $1,281 per week). Metacarpal injuries commonly occur in crush injuries, press operations, and falls.
Because metacarpal injuries rarely happen in isolation, your total recovery is typically the combined finger/thumb award plus the metacarpal add-on, and potentially additional PPD and other benefits.
2026 Ohio BWC metacarpal bone injury award
$12,810
10 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.
Think you qualify for a hand injury award?
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.
Related hand and finger injury awards
Metacarpal injuries usually accompany finger or hand injuries. Multiple awards may apply.
Don’t leave money on the table.
The BWC will never tell you about overlapping benefits. Mike identifies every one.
Why your metacarpal injury award may be worth more than $12,810
The $12,810 is the starting point. Metacarpal injuries rarely happen alone and usually qualify for additional benefits.
Finger injuries — separate awards
If fingers were also injured, each has its own scheduled loss value that stacks on top of the metacarpal award.
PPD — hand impairment
Metacarpal damage affects grip and hand structure, supporting separate PPD awards.
VSSR — safety violations
Crush injuries causing metacarpal damage often involve safety violations adding 15–50% to benefits.
Wage loss benefits
If hand damage limits employment, Wage Loss covers the pay difference for up to 200 weeks.
Get your free hand injury case review
Tell us what happened. Mike personally responds — no fee unless we win.
Why you need a lawyer for your hand injury claim
Metacarpal injuries rarely happen alone. A lawyer identifies every injured body part and files for each award separately.
The BWC will not tell you about overlapping finger, hand, and PPD awards.
Mike Gruhin has 49+ years of experience. 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 metacarpal bone injury victims.
Frequently asked questions
Your hand injury could be worth
far more than $12,810.
Free, unlimited-time telephone consultation. Mike personally responds. No fee unless we win.
No obligation. No upfront cost. Completely confidential.