Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator · 2026 Edition
Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator — with the same math attorneys use.
Calculate your estimated workers' compensation benefits including TTD, PPD, and medical costs. State-specific formula.
Based on
18,400+ closed cases
Covers
50 states · 2026 law
Takes
About 2 minutes
Methodology
How workers' comp settlementsettlements are calculated
Workers' comp benefits are determined by a statutory formula — not a negotiation. Here's exactly how each component is calculated.
01
Calculate your average weekly wage (AWW)
AWW is your average gross weekly earnings for the 52 weeks before your injury. Your benefit rate is typically 66.67% of AWW, capped at the state maximum (e.g., $1,619 in California, $1,145 in New York). This cap is the foundation of every WC calculation.
02
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Paid while you are completely unable to work. TTD benefit = weekly benefit rate × weeks out. Benefits stop when you return to work, reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or hit a statutory week cap.
03
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Paid after MMI when you have a lasting impairment but can still work. PPD = disability rating % × scheduled weeks for the body part × state weekly max. Spine = 312 weeks, knee = 288 weeks, hand = 244 weeks.
04
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
If your injury prevents you from ever returning to any work, PTD pays your weekly benefit for the remainder of your working life (weeks to retirement). Rarely granted, but produces the largest WC awards.
05
Medical benefits (separate from wage replacement)
WC covers all reasonable and necessary treatment related to your injury — no deductible, no copay. Medical is calculated separately from wage replacement and has no multiplier. Pain and suffering is not recoverable in workers' comp.
Reference
Typical Workers' Comp ranges
These ranges reflect closed workers' compensation claims nationwide. Your state's maximum weekly benefit and body-part schedule determine the upper limit.
Factors
What actually moves your settlement
These variables explain the majority of variance between similar cases.
Average weekly wage
Your AWW determines your weekly benefit rate. Higher earners hit the state cap faster — above the cap, your effective replacement rate drops below 66.67%. Maximizing your documented AWW (including overtime) is critical.
Disability rating & body part
PPD awards multiply your disability rating percentage by the scheduled weeks for the injured body part. A 15% spine rating (312 weeks) pays significantly more than 15% on a foot (205 weeks) at the same weekly rate.
Injury classification
The TTD/PPD/PTD classification your treating physician and the WC board assign determines which formula applies. Disputes over classification — especially TTD vs. PTD — can represent the largest dollar differences in a WC claim.
Ability to return to work
If you return to your pre-injury job, your claim ends at MMI. If you need modified duty or vocational rehabilitation, additional benefits may apply. If you cannot return to any work, PTD or a negotiated lump-sum is possible.
Lump-sum (C&R) availability
Many states allow settling your entire WC claim for a one-time Compromise & Release payment. This trades ongoing weekly benefits and future medical for certainty. Not available in all states, and not always in your interest.
State maximum weekly benefit
Every state caps the TTD/PPD weekly benefit. In California it's $1,619; Texas $1,086; New York $1,145; Florida $1,197. The cap hits highest earners hardest and directly limits your PPD award.
Deadline
Statute of limitations for your claim
Once this deadline passes, your case is gone — regardless of how strong it was. The clock typically starts on the date of the incident.
California2 years
Texas2 years
New York3 years
Florida2 years
Illinois2 years
Pennsylvania2 years
Georgia2 years
Ohio2 years
Michigan3 years
Arizona2 years
North Carolina3 years
Massachusetts3 years
Decision
Do you need a lawyer?
Probably not
- Claim is undisputed, employer is cooperative, injury was minor
- You returned to your pre-injury job without any permanent impairment
- Insurer accepted the claim and is paying benefits without delay
Almost certainly yes
- Claim is disputed or employer is contesting compensability
- Disability rating is contested or an independent medical exam (IME) was ordered
- Insurer is delaying, denying treatment, or has reduced your benefit rate
- You're considering a lump-sum (C&R) settlement offer
- A third party (contractor, equipment maker) may share liability
Workers' Comp Settlement FAQ
Attorney Memo · $9.99 · One-time
Turn your estimate into a case file you can hand to a lawyer.
Most people walk into a free consultation and get sized up in 15 minutes. Walk in with this memo and you're the most prepared person in the room.
What's inside
Your case facts in legal narrative form
Applicable law in your state, cited
5–8 comparable settlements with facts
Damage categories with calculation worksheet
Policy-limits analysis
12 specific questions for your consultation
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