In case of finger amputation at the proximal joint with broken glasses, what should be paid?

• A. Repair of the glasses only.
• B. The finger amputation only.
• C. Prorate the glasses over the time the employee has owned them.
• D. Both the glasses and the finger amputation.

Answer: (D)

The situation tests that a work injury can generate multiple payable consequences, all arising from the same incident. When an employee suffers a finger amputation and, in the same event, their glasses are broken, the employer’s workers’ compensation coverage covers the medical treatment for the injury (the finger) and also replaces or repairs personal property damaged as a result of the accident (the glasses). There’s no expectation to prorate the glasses over how long the employee owned them; the cost of repairing or replacing the glasses is a direct consequence of the work injury and should be covered along with the medical care for the finger. So, both items—the finger injury treatment and the broken glasses—are payable.