Washington Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate Washington workers' comp — Max Time-Loss Rate, Waiting Period, PPD — Dollar-Amount Schedule
Washington workers' compensation claims are governed by RCW 51.32.060 / L&I COLA Jul 2025-Jun 2026 (Max Time-Loss Rate): Max $2,303.31/wk — 120% of state AWW. Of the 4 landmark Washington workers' compensation awards documented on this page, the largest is $875K (PTD pension commutation — construction worker, spinal cord injury; 2023).
🌲 WASHINGTON: Max Time-Loss Rate | Waiting Period | PPD — Dollar-Amount Schedule
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
Washington Workers' Compensation Law
Washington workers' compensation benefits is governed by RCW 51.32.060 / L&I COLA Jul 2026-Jun 2027 (Max Time-Loss Rate): Max $2,303.31/wk — 120% of state AWW. Time-loss = 60-75% of gross monthly wage depending on marital/dependent status. Min $1,189.50/mo. CPI-adjusted July 1 annually.
Waiting Period (RCW 51.32.090(7)): 3 days (injury day excluded). No benefits injury day + first 3. First 3 paid retroactively if disability continues through day 7.
PPD — Dollar-Amount Schedule (RCW 51.32.080): Fixed statutory dollar amounts per body part, CPI-adjusted. UNLIKE most states — WA uses dollar amounts, not weeks. Arm loss ~$175K+; leg loss ~$155K+. Partial = prorated.
Key Washington Workers' Compensation Statutes
Washington workers' compensation benefits operates under these critical legal rules:
RCW 51.32.060 / L&I COLA Jul 2025-Jun 2026
Max Time-Loss RateStandard: Max $2,303.31/wk — 120% of state AWW
Scope: Time-loss = 60-75% of gross monthly wage depending on marital/dependent status. Min $1,189.50/mo. CPI-adjusted July 1 annually.
RCW 51.32.090(7)
Waiting PeriodStandard: 3 days (injury day excluded)
Scope: No benefits injury day + first 3. First 3 paid retroactively if disability continues through day 7.
RCW 51.32.080
PPD — Dollar-Amount ScheduleStandard: Fixed statutory dollar amounts per body part, CPI-adjusted
Scope: UNLIKE most states — WA uses dollar amounts, not weeks. Arm loss ~$175K+; leg loss ~$155K+. Partial = prorated.
RCW 51.32.060 / 51.32.067
PTD — Lifetime PensionStandard: Monthly pension for life at time-loss rate
Scope: Triggered by: (a) voc+med evidence of inability to work, OR (b) automatic for loss of both legs/arms/one-of-each/total vision. Annual COLA.
RCW 51.04.010 / 51.12.010 / Self-Insurance
State Fund + Self-Insure OptionStandard: L&I state fund default; qualified employers may self-insure
Scope: Self-insured employers adjudicate own claims. Exclusive remedy unless 'deliberate intention' (actual knowledge injury certain). Third-party tort preserved.
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 Washington Doctrines
PTD — Lifetime Pension: Monthly pension for life at time-loss rate. State Fund + Self-Insure Option: L&I state fund default; qualified employers may self-insure
Damage Structure + Caps
Medical benefits (usually full), lost wage replacement (partial %), permanent disability award, death benefits
Washington Workers' Compensation Verdicts + Averages
Recent Washington workers' compensation benefits outcomes:
| Amount | Year | Case / Injury |
|---|---|---|
| $420K | 2024 | PPD structured settlement — 45% WPI, manufacturing worker (hand/wrist crush) |
| $875K | 2023 | PTD pension commutation — construction worker, spinal cord injury |
| $185K | 2025 | Specified disability — complete loss of dominant hand at CPI-adjusted schedule |
| $42K | 2024 | Small PPD — 12% WPI, shoulder, lump-sum at claim closure |
Washington Workers' Compensation FAQs
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Washington for 2026?
The Washington maximum is $2,303.31/week for July 2026 through June 2027 (RCW 51.32.090; 120% of state AWW). 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 Washington work injury?
Washington 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 Washington in addition to workers' comp?
Generally NO — workers' comp is 'exclusive remedy' in Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington statute.
Pending Washington Workers' Compensation Issues
Active legal developments (as of April 2026):
- HB 1788 pending 2025-26 legislative session may amend PTD pension formula — monitor for benefit structure changes.
- WA PPD uses dollar amounts not weeks — CPI-indexed July 1 each year, mid-year valuation discrepancies.
- Self-insured claims adjudicated without L&I oversight; Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals adds 18-36 months to contested claims.
- Deliberate-intention tort exception narrower than federal OSHA willful standard — very few cases succeed.
Informational only — consult a licensed attorney for case-specific advice.
Primary Sources
- www.washingtonlawcenter.com/2025-cola-maximum-and-minimum-time-loss-rates-li-cost-of-living-adjustment
- app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=51.32&full=true
- www.emeryreddy.com/workers-comp-washington-state/claims/li-claim-value
Other State Workers' Compensation Calculators
California
SIBTF reform 2026, $1,764.11/wk max, QME + SB 636
New York
LWEC + Workers' Comp Protection Act 2024, $1,281.50/wk max
Texas
Non-subscriber option, $1,271/wk, IBR
Illinois
Lifetime uncapped medical, $2,045.63/wk (2026)
Main Workers' Comp Calculator
Nationwide WC benefits overview
All Workers' Compensation Calculators by State
Other Calculators for Washington
Each Washington calculator reflects state-specific laws (caps, statutes of limitations, comparative-negligence rules) and uses Washington verdict data where available.