New Jersey Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate New Jersey workers' comp — Weekly Benefit (2026), Waiting Period, TTD/PPD Duration Cap
New Jersey workers' compensation claims are governed by N.J.S.A. 34:15-12 / NJ DOL 2026 (Weekly Benefit (2026)): Max $1,199/wk; Min $320/wk. Of the 4 landmark New Jersey workers' compensation awards documented on this page, the largest is $325K (PPD settlement — 35% of 600 weeks with future medical buyout. Back surgery; 2024).
🏙️ NEW JERSEY: Weekly Benefit (2026) | Waiting Period | TTD/PPD Duration Cap
Your Injury
Your Estimated Settlement
$3,500 — $8,500
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Workers' compensation is a no-fault system: your benefits are not reduced because you were partly or fully responsible for the accident.
Workers' compensation does not pay pain and suffering. Unlike a personal injury claim, it covers medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages only — so no pain-and-suffering amount is included above.
This figure does not include a permanent impairment award. If your injury leaves lasting limitations, most states add a separate payment based on a doctor's impairment rating and a statutory schedule.
If someone other than your employer caused the injury — a subcontractor, a driver, a defective machine — you may also have a separate personal injury claim against that party, and that claim can include pain and suffering.
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Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor
New Jersey Workers' Compensation Law
New Jersey workers' compensation benefits is governed by N.J.S.A. 34:15-12 / NJ DOL 2026 (Weekly Benefit (2026)): Max $1,199/wk; Min $320/wk. Rate = 70% of AWW, not to exceed 75% of statewide AWW. Effective Jan 1, 2026.
Waiting Period (N.J.S.A. 34:15-14): 7 days (non-consecutive allowed). First 7 disability days unpaid. Retroactive to day 1 if disability exceeds 26 weeks.
TTD/PPD Duration Cap (N.J.S.A. 34:15-12(b)): Max 400 weeks TTD; 450 weeks PPD. PPD paid as % of 600 total weeks. Typical awards 10-50% of 600.
Key New Jersey Workers' Compensation Statutes
New Jersey workers' compensation benefits operates under these critical legal rules:
N.J.S.A. 34:15-12 / NJ DOL 2026
Weekly Benefit (2026)Standard: Max $1,199/wk; Min $320/wk
Scope: Rate = 70% of AWW, not to exceed 75% of statewide AWW. Effective Jan 1, 2026.
N.J.S.A. 34:15-14
Waiting PeriodStandard: 7 days (non-consecutive allowed)
Scope: First 7 disability days unpaid. Retroactive to day 1 if disability exceeds 26 weeks.
N.J.S.A. 34:15-12(b)
TTD/PPD Duration CapStandard: Max 400 weeks TTD; 450 weeks PPD
Scope: PPD paid as % of 600 total weeks. Typical awards 10-50% of 600.
N.J.S.A. 34:15-94/95
Second Injury Fund (SIF)Standard: State fund pays PTD when prior disability + new injury = total
Scope: Employer liable only for new injury portion. SIF covers balance to PTD.
N.J.S.A. 34:15-8
Exclusive RemedyStandard: WC exclusive; third-party tort preserved
Scope: Intentional act exception extremely narrow (Laidlow doctrine). Employers can self-insure.
Recovery Structure
Medical treatment (typically unlimited), lost wages at a % of average weekly wage (AWW) subject to state max, permanent impairment awards via scheduled or unscheduled system, vocational rehab, death/survivor benefits. No pain and suffering under WC (trade-off of exclusive remedy).
Key New Jersey Doctrines
Second Injury Fund (SIF): State fund pays PTD when prior disability + new injury = total. Exclusive Remedy: WC exclusive; third-party tort preserved
Damage Structure + Caps
Medical benefits (usually full), lost wage replacement (partial %), permanent disability award, death benefits
New Jersey Workers' Compensation Verdicts + Averages
Recent New Jersey workers' compensation benefits outcomes:
| Amount | Year | Case / Injury |
|---|---|---|
| $325K | 2024 | PPD settlement — 35% of 600 weeks with future medical buyout. Back surgery |
| $185K | 2023 | PTD with SIF contribution — older worker, prior knee + new shoulder |
| $95K | 2024 | Scheduled loss — 20% loss of use of arm |
| $28K | 2024 | Minor PPD — 8% of total, soft-tissue wrist |
New Jersey Workers' Compensation FAQs
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in New Jersey for 2026?
The New Jersey 2026 max is $1,199/week (N.J.S.A. 34:15-12). This applies to TTD (temporary total disability) and most wage-replacement benefits. Your benefit = percentage of your AWW (average weekly wage) up to this cap.
How long do I have to report my New Jersey work injury?
New Jersey requires notice to employer quickly — typically within 30-90 days depending on state. Failure to give timely notice can bar your claim. Even informal reporting to supervisor typically counts, but get it in writing and keep copies.
Can I sue my employer in New Jersey in addition to workers' comp?
Generally NO — workers' comp is 'exclusive remedy' in New Jersey, meaning WC is your only remedy against your employer. Exceptions: (1) third-party claims against non-employer defendants (e.g., equipment manufacturer, subcontractor), (2) extreme intentional employer misconduct (narrow). Third-party claims + WC running parallel is common.
What is a Compromise & Release in New Jersey workers' comp?
C&R is a lump-sum settlement resolving all or part of your claim in exchange for a defined payment. Most often resolves permanent disability + future medical. Requires approval from the New Jersey workers' comp judge or commission. Future medical may be included (full resolution) or excluded (open medical).
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Almost never. Initial offers typically underestimate permanent impairment and future medical. Before accepting, get an independent medical evaluation and consult a workers' comp attorney — most work on contingency with fees regulated by New Jersey statute.
Pending New Jersey Workers' Compensation Issues
Active legal developments (as of April 2026):
- 2024 NJ legislature proposed expanding TTD beyond 400 weeks for catastrophic injuries — bill status pending Q1 2026.
- SIF chronically underfunded; PTD claimants face delays despite entitlement.
- PPD determinations rely on treating vs IME physician conflict — wide variation (5-75%) across judges.
- NJ does not use AMA Guides — 'disability' is functional/vocational, creating unpredictable outcomes.
Informational only — consult a licensed attorney for case-specific advice.
Primary Sources
- www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2025/20251229_newbenefitrates2026.shtml
- shebell.com/workers-compensation/second-injury-fund-new-jersey
- law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-34/section-34-15-12
Other State Workers' Compensation Calculators
New York
LWEC + Workers' Comp Protection Act 2024, $1,281.50/wk max
California
SIBTF reform 2026, $1,764.11/wk max, QME + SB 636
Florida
104-week TTD cap, $1,358/wk, §440 exclusivity
Ohio
BWC monopoly fund, Industrial Commission PTD, $1,281/wk
Main Workers' Comp Calculator
Nationwide WC benefits overview
All Workers' Compensation Calculators by State
Other Calculators for New Jersey
Each New Jersey calculator reflects state-specific laws (caps, statutes of limitations, comparative-negligence rules) and uses New Jersey verdict data where available.