If an employee has a finger amputation at the proximal joint and their prescription glasses are broken, what should you pay for?

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

Answer: (D)

When an employee experiences a work-related injury, such as a finger amputation, it typically falls under the employer's responsibility to cover the costs associated with that injury. In this scenario, both the amputation and the damage to the employee's prescription glasses resulting from the incident are tied to the injury that occurred during work.

Covering both the medical expenses for the finger amputation and the cost to repair or replace the glasses aligns with the principle of comprehensive worker's compensation. This principle is designed to ensure that employees are adequately supported for all the damages incurred due to a workplace incident. Therefore, this holistic approach acknowledges the impact of the incident on the employee's overall well-being, addressing both their medical needs and any incidental damages like broken glasses.

Choosing to pay for only one of those items would neglect the full extent of the claim and the effects on the employee's health and functioning. By covering both the medical issue and the damage to personal property, it ensures that the employee can recover fully without incurring additional out-of-pocket expenses as a result of the incident.