Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate Pennsylvania workers' comp — Weekly Benefit Max (2026), Waiting Period, 500-Week Partial Disability Cap
Last reviewed: April 2026
⚖️ PENNSYLVANIA: Weekly Benefit Max (2026) | Waiting Period | 500-Week Partial Disability Cap
Your Injury
Your Estimated Settlement
$36,000 — $66,000
Workers' Compensation Claim Data
Based on 5,517,992 real payments totaling $137.3B 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
Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law
Pennsylvania workers' compensation benefits is governed by 77 P.S. §511 (Weekly Benefit Max (2026)): Max $1,394/wk in 2026. 66⅔% of AWW up to max; capped at 100% of statewide AWW. Rate set by injury year.
Waiting Period (77 P.S. §512): 7 calendar days. First 7 days unpaid unless disability exceeds 14 days (day-1 retroactive).
500-Week Partial Disability Cap (77 P.S. §512 / Act 111 (2017)): Partial disability (IRE <35%) capped at 500 weeks. After IRE <35%, TTD converts to partial disability — 500-week clock starts. No cap on total (PTD).
Key Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Statutes
Pennsylvania workers' compensation benefits operates under these critical legal rules:
77 P.S. §511
Weekly Benefit Max (2026)Standard: Max $1,394/wk in 2026
Scope: 66⅔% of AWW up to max; capped at 100% of statewide AWW. Rate set by injury year.
77 P.S. §512
Waiting PeriodStandard: 7 calendar days
Scope: First 7 days unpaid unless disability exceeds 14 days (day-1 retroactive).
77 P.S. §512 / Act 111 (2017)
500-Week Partial Disability CapStandard: Partial disability (IRE <35%) capped at 500 weeks
Scope: After IRE <35%, TTD converts to partial disability — 500-week clock starts. No cap on total (PTD).
77 P.S. §513 (§306(c))
Specific Loss ScheduleStandard: Arm/Leg: 410 wks | Hand: 335 | Foot: 250 | Thumb: 100
Scope: Permanent loss of use treated same as amputation. Paid concurrently with healing period.
77 P.S. §1001 (§303)
Exclusive RemedyStandard: WC exclusive vs employer; third-party tort preserved
Scope: Employer subrogation on third-party recovery. Intentional employer tort = narrow exception requiring actual intent.
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 Pennsylvania Doctrines
Specific Loss Schedule: Arm/Leg: 410 wks | Hand: 335 | Foot: 250 | Thumb: 100. Exclusive Remedy: WC exclusive vs employer; third-party tort preserved
Damage Structure + Caps
Medical benefits (usually full), lost wage replacement (partial %), permanent disability award, death benefits
Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Verdicts + Averages
Recent Pennsylvania workers' compensation benefits outcomes:
| Amount | Year | Case / Injury |
|---|---|---|
| $975K | 2024 | C&R (Compromise & Release) — construction laborer, bilateral knee replacements, 500-wk partial cap |
| $425K | 2023 | C&R — warehouse worker, lumbar fusion L4-S1, IRE at 28% |
| $185K | 2024 | Specific loss — hand crush injury, loss of use of dominant hand |
| $38K | 2024 | Minor soft-tissue back strain, 8 weeks TTD, no permanent impairment |
Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation FAQs
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Pennsylvania for 2026?
The Pennsylvania 2026 max is $1,394/week (77 P.S. §511). 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 Pennsylvania work injury?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania in addition to workers' comp?
Generally NO — workers' comp is 'exclusive remedy' in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania statute.
Pending Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Issues
Active legal developments (as of April 2026):
- Act 111 (2017) replaced AMA 6th Ed IRE system — rating methodology disputes still active in appellate courts as of 2025.
- C&R requires WCJ approval — judge can reject if inadequate; negotiated values vary substantially Philly vs rural.
- Third-party subrogation lien can consume tort recovery; 'Compromise of Lien' outcome uncertain.
- 500-week clock triggered by IRE result, not employer filing — IRE scheduling disputes create litigation risk.
Informational only — consult a licensed attorney for case-specific advice.
Primary Sources
- www.paworkerscompensation.law/2026-pennsylvania-maximum-workers-compensation-rate
- centralpaworkerscomp.com/pennsylvania-releases-2026-average-weekly-wage-in-workers-compensation
- munley.com/workers-compensation-lawyer/pa-comp-benefits
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 Pennsylvania
Each Pennsylvania calculator reflects state-specific laws (caps, statutes of limitations, comparative-negligence rules) and uses Pennsylvania verdict data where available.