New Jersey Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate New Jersey workers' comp — Weekly Benefit (2026), Waiting Period, TTD/PPD Duration Cap
Last reviewed: April 2026
🏙️ NEW JERSEY: Weekly Benefit (2026) | Waiting Period | TTD/PPD Duration Cap
Your Injury
Your Estimated Settlement
$36,000 — $66,000
Workers' Compensation Claim Data
Based on 5,586,588 real payments totaling $139.7B from official New York State workers' comp claims.
Average
$25K
Median
$20K
25th %ile
$13K
90th %ile
$44K
Source: NY Workers' Compensation Board. Actual payouts may vary based on individual circumstances.
Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
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, $1,222/wk max
California
SIBTF reform 2026, $1,764/wk max, QME + SB 636
Florida
104-week TTD cap, $1,210/wk, §440 exclusivity
Ohio
BWC monopoly fund, Industrial Commission PTD, $1,231/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.