Lost Your Thumb in a Work Injury?
Ohio owes you up to $76,860.
If you lost your thumb — or permanently lost its use — Ohio law says your award is worth up to $76,860. But loss-of-use claims are heavily disputed by the BWC. You need Mike Gruhin to get your full award.
Key takeaways
- ✓A thumb injury award in Ohio is worth up to $76,860 — the highest finger value.
- ✓Loss-of-use claims are far more complex than amputation claims — the BWC disputes them aggressively.
- ✓If you lost your thumb plus other fingers, Mike may pursue a full loss-of-hand award ($224,175).
- ✓You may qualify for additional PPD, wage loss, 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 thumb the highest value of any finger — $76,860 for 2026 injuries — because it controls grip, pinch, and opposition.
But the BWC does not hand you this money. Loss-of-use claims are heavily contested, and the process requires an experienced lawyer. Mike Gruhin handles every step.
2026 Ohio BWC thumb injury award
$76,860
60 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 to pursue the maximum combination of benefits.
Don’t leave money on the table.
The BWC will never tell you about overlapping benefits. Mike identifies every one.
Why your thumb injury award may be worth more than $76,860
The $76,860 is only one benefit. Mike identifies every additional award you qualify for.
PPD — hand and wrist impairment
Thumb loss drastically reduces grip strength. Mike documents separate PPD awards for hand and wrist impairment.
Wage loss benefits
Loss of grip makes many manual jobs impossible. Mike pursues Wage Loss as a separate benefit.
VSSR — employer safety violations
Unguarded machinery, presses, or saws — Mike investigates and pursues VSSR awards adding 15–50%.
Additional allowed conditions
Chronic pain, hand weakness, psychological conditions — Mike adds every condition the BWC overlooks.
Get your free thumb injury case review
Tell us what happened. Mike personally responds. No fee unless we win.
Why you need Mike Gruhin for your thumb injury claim
The BWC does not fight for your maximum recovery. It actively disputes loss-of-use claims and will never tell you about additional PPD, wage loss, or VSSR benefits.
If you lost your thumb plus other fingers, Mike can evaluate whether a full loss-of-hand award ($224,175) is achievable — a strategy the BWC will never suggest.
Mike Gruhin is an OSBA Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist with 49+ years of experience. He builds the case the BWC cannot ignore.
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 thumb injury victims.
Frequently asked questions
Your thumb injury could be worth
$76,860 — or more.
Free, unlimited-time telephone consultation. Mike personally responds. No fee unless we win.
No obligation. No upfront cost. Completely confidential.