Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate Pennsylvania workers' comp — Weekly Benefit Max (2026), Waiting Period, 500-Week Partial Disability Cap
Pennsylvania workers' compensation claims are governed by 77 P.S. §511 (Weekly Benefit Max (2026)): Max $1,394/wk in 2026. Of the 4 landmark Pennsylvania workers' compensation awards documented on this page, the largest is $975K (C&R (Compromise & Release) — construction laborer, bilateral knee replacements, 500-wk partial cap; 2024).
⚖️ PENNSYLVANIA: Weekly Benefit Max (2026) | Waiting Period | 500-Week Partial Disability Cap
Your Injury
Your Estimated Settlement
$6,000 — $6,000
Pain and suffering = $15,000 in medical bills × 0.0 severity multiplier. Your bills are already included in that figure, so they are not added again.
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.
Workers' Compensation Wage Benchmark — New York State claims only
Across New York State claims only, this benchmark is 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: New York State Workers' Compensation Board (via data.ny.gov). These figures come from New York State claims only and do not describe benefit levels in other states. 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
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.