What is the standard rating for an injury in 1997 involving an amputation of the major thumb at the carpal joint?

What is the standard rating for an injury in 1997 involving an amputation of the major thumb at the carpal joint?

• A. 0%
• B. 6%
• C. 12%
• D. 16%

Answer: (D)

In California workers’ compensation, permanent disability is rated using a fixed schedule that assigns a percentage to specific injuries. For a complete amputation of the major thumb at the carpometacarpal joint, the 1997 standard rating assigns 16% to the whole person. This reflects the substantial loss of thumb function (grip and opposition) while not equaling a higher overall impairment. Other percentages would correspond to different levels or locations of thumb injury, but this particular injury in 1997 maps to 16%.

In California workers’ compensation, permanent disability is rated using a fixed schedule that assigns a percentage to specific injuries. For a complete amputation of the major thumb at the carpometacarpal joint, the 1997 standard rating assigns 16% to the whole person. This reflects the substantial loss of thumb function (grip and opposition) while not equaling a higher overall impairment. Other percentages would correspond to different levels or locations of thumb injury, but this particular injury in 1997 maps to 16%.