Washington Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate Washington workers' comp — Max Time-Loss Rate, Waiting Period, PPD — Dollar-Amount Schedule
Last reviewed: April 2026
🌲 WASHINGTON: Max Time-Loss Rate | Waiting Period | PPD — Dollar-Amount Schedule
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
Washington Workers' Compensation Law
Washington workers' compensation benefits is governed by RCW 51.32.060 / L&I COLA Jul 2025-Jun 2026 (Max Time-Loss Rate): Max $9,516/mo ($2,196/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 $9,516/mo ($2,196/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 2026 max is $9,516/month ≈ $2,196/week (RCW 51.32.060; 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/wk max, QME + SB 636
New York
LWEC + Workers' Comp Protection Act 2024, $1,222/wk max
Texas
Non-subscriber option, $1,271/wk, IBR
Illinois
Lifetime uncapped medical, $1,960.92/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.