Workers Compensation Calculator
Estimate your workers comp benefits based on your state, wages, and injury
Last reviewed: April 2026
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
How Workers Compensation Settlements Are Calculated
Workers compensation is different from personal injury lawsuits. It's a no-fault system — you don't need to prove your employer was negligent. In exchange, benefits follow a formula set by your state rather than the multiplier method used in personal injury cases.
Workers comp settlements typically have two components. First, wage replacement benefits — usually 60-67% of your average weekly wage. Second, a lump sum settlement for permanent impairment, based on your impairment rating, body part affected, and state-specific schedules.
Our calculator uses the multiplier method to estimate what your claim might be worth in a settlement negotiation. Many workers comp cases are resolved through negotiated lump-sum settlements rather than ongoing payments. Your actual benefits will depend on your state's workers comp schedule and your treating physician's impairment rating.
Average Settlement Amounts by Injury
| Injury Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft tissue / sprains | $5,000 – $25,000 | Temporary disability, full recovery expected |
| Broken bones | $20,000 – $75,000 | Varies by body part and recovery time |
| Back / spinal injuries | $30,000 – $150,000 | Higher with surgical intervention |
| Repetitive stress (carpal tunnel) | $25,000 – $80,000 | Based on AMA impairment rating |
| Amputation | $100,000 – $500,000+ | State schedule of losses applies |
| Traumatic brain injury | $75,000 – $500,000+ | Permanent total disability possible |
Ranges based on industry data and published settlement research. Individual results vary based on case specifics.
Factors That Affect Your Settlement
- State Workers Comp Laws: Each state has its own workers comp benefit schedule, maximum weekly benefit rates, and impairment rating guidelines. Benefits can vary dramatically between states for identical injuries.
- Average Weekly Wage: Your wage replacement benefits are typically 60-67% of your pre-injury average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. Higher wages = higher benefits, but every state has a cap.
- Impairment Rating: A physician will assign a permanent impairment rating (0-100%) using AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. This rating directly determines your lump-sum permanent disability benefit.
- Body Part Affected: Many states use a "schedule of losses" that assigns a specific number of weeks of benefits per body part. Loss of a hand, for example, may be worth 200-300 weeks of benefits.
- Return-to-Work Status: Whether you can return to your previous job, need modified duty, or cannot work at all significantly affects the total value of your claim.
Understanding Workers' Comp Benefits: TTD, TPD, PPD, PTD
Workers' compensation isn't one benefit — it's a tiered system with distinct categories. Understanding which category applies to your situation is the single biggest factor in what you'll actually receive. Our analysis of 1.7 million NY Workers' Compensation Board claims reveals how cases are distributed:
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
You cannot work at all, but recovery is expected. 489,287 of the 1.7M NY cases analyzed fell into this category — the most common type. Benefits pay 60–67% of your average weekly wage, tax-free, up to your state's weekly maximum. Payments continue until Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) or return to work.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
You return to work in a modified role at reduced wages. Benefits equal two-thirds of the wage differential. Example: pre-injury wage $1,000/wk, light-duty wage $600/wk, TPD benefit = ($400 × 2/3) = $267/wk on top of your $600 wage.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
You've reached MMI but have a permanent impairment that partially limits work capacity. 227,862 NY cases (schedule loss, avg wage $1,006/wk) plus 39,163 non-schedule cases fall here. PPD pays based on your AMA impairment rating × state-specific weeks per body part, or a percentage of wage-earning capacity loss.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
You cannot return to any gainful employment — permanently. Only 1,686 NY cases were classified as PTD (0.1%), reflecting how strict this category is. Benefits often continue for life. Catastrophic injuries: severe TBI, paralysis, loss of both hands or both eyes.
Vocational Rehabilitation
When you can't return to your prior occupation, most states pay for retraining — up to $15,000–$30,000 depending on state. Includes career counseling, job placement, and tuition for new skills. Claiming vocational rehab is often overlooked; it's worth specifically asking.
Death Benefits
If a worker dies from a work-related cause, dependents receive death benefits plus burial costs. 2,425 NY cases analyzed were death claims. Payments: typically two-thirds of average weekly wage to the surviving spouse until remarriage, plus ongoing benefits to dependent children until age 18 (23 if in college). Burial benefits: $6,000–$12,500 depending on state.
Real Data: 1.7 Million NY Workers' Comp Claims
Our workers' comp calculator is calibrated against the NY Workers' Compensation Board's full dataset — 1,738,656 claim records. Here's what the distribution actually looks like, so you can see where your case fits.
Claims analyzed
5,517,992
Average weekly wage
$957
Median weekly wage
$759
Male/female wage gap
+27%
Weekly wage distribution
10th percentile: $305/wk. Median: $696/wk. 90th: $1,553/wk. 95th: $1,918/wk. Because WC benefits are typically 60–67% of your wage, these percentiles translate directly to benefit levels. At the median, TTD pays roughly $418–$466/week.
p10
$325
p25
$500
p50
$759
p75
$1180
p90
$1696
p95
$2075
Claim volume by NY county
New York County leads with 165,100 claims (avg wage $423/wk). Queens: 160,305. Suffolk: 158,199. Kings (Brooklyn): 139,390. Nassau: 118,245. The five boroughs + Long Island account for over 40% of all NY workers' comp claims — consistent with the region's job density.
Cases by benefit category
Temporary disability (TTD) dominates at 489,287 cases (29%). PPD schedule losses: 227,862 (13%). Medical-only (no lost time): 270,807 (16%). Non-compensable (denied or dismissed): 668,964 (39%). Death: 2,425. PTD: 1,686. The high non-compensable rate reflects the fact that many claims are filed preemptively and closed without benefits when injuries resolve quickly.
See the full 5.5M workers’ comp research →
How to Calculate Your Wage Replacement Benefit
Wage replacement is the most common workers' comp benefit and the easiest to calculate yourself. Here's the formula every state uses, with minor variations:
- Step 1. Find your average weekly wage (AWW). Use your last 13 weeks of gross earnings (including overtime and bonuses) divided by 13. Or, if employed less than 13 weeks, your total gross earnings ÷ weeks worked.
- Step 2. Multiply by your state's benefit rate — usually 60% (California, New York) or 66.67% (most others, including Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania).
- Step 3. Compare against your state's weekly maximum. Most states cap benefits at 100% of the state average weekly wage. Example: California maximum TTD = $1,680.29/wk (2025). New York max = $1,204.73/wk (July 2025 adjustment). Texas max = $1,147/wk (2025). If your calculated benefit exceeds the cap, you get the cap.
Example calculation
- Pre-injury AWW: $1,200/wk. State: California. Calculation: $1,200 × 66.67% = $800/wk TTD. Below cap. Benefit: $800/wk, tax-free.
- Pre-injury AWW: $3,000/wk (high earner in NYC). State: New York. Calculation: $3,000 × 66.67% = $2,000/wk. Exceeds NY max ($1,204.73). Benefit: $1,204.73/wk.
- Pre-injury AWW: $600/wk. State: Texas. Calculation: $600 × 70% (TX max is 70% under TX Labor Code §408.103) = $420/wk. Below cap ($1,147). Benefit: $420/wk.
Calculations above are for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) only. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) uses a different formula — your impairment rating × the state's weeks per body part schedule.
AMA Impairment Ratings: How They Determine Your PPD Payout
Once you reach MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement), your treating physician assigns an impairment rating using the American Medical Association's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. This rating directly translates to your Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) lump sum. Here's how it works:
- Step 1. Your physician examines you and determines the body part affected (hand, arm, leg, spine, eye, etc.) plus the percentage of impairment (0-100%).
- Step 2. Your state has a 'schedule of losses' that assigns a fixed number of weeks of benefits per body part. Example: California assigns 288 weeks for loss of a hand, 208 for a foot, 300 for permanent impairment of the spine.
- Step 3. PPD = Weekly benefit rate × Weeks per body part × Impairment percentage. Example: 30% hand impairment in California with $800/wk benefit = $800 × 288 × 30% = $69,120.
Common body-part schedules (weeks, varies by state)
Hand: 150–288 weeks. Arm: 200–312 weeks. Foot: 125–208 weeks. Leg: 200–288 weeks. Eye (loss of vision): 150–200 weeks. Hearing (total loss): 100–200 weeks. Back/spine: 125–500 weeks (often whole-person ratings). Thumb: 60–75 weeks. Index finger: 38–45 weeks.
Disputed ratings
If you disagree with your treating physician's rating (too low) or the insurance doctor's rating (from an Independent Medical Exam), you can request a panel-QME or state-appointed doctor. California uses a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) system. Florida uses Expert Medical Advisors. Most states allow at least one 'second opinion' within the formal system.
Filing a Workers' Comp Claim: 5-Step Guide
The filing process varies slightly by state, but the core steps are identical. Missing any deadline can permanently bar your claim — the statute of limitations for filing is as short as 30 days in some states for reporting, and 1-3 years for formal claims.
Step 1 — Report the injury in writing
Most states require written notice within 30 days (California: 30 days, Texas: 30 days, New York: 30 days, Florida: 30 days). Oral notice doesn't count. Keep a copy of your written report. Late notice is the #1 reason claims get denied.
Step 2 — Seek medical treatment
See a doctor immediately, even for minor injuries. In some states (CA, FL, TX) you must see a doctor on your employer's approved panel for the first visit, or benefits can be denied. Get every visit documented, with explicit connection to the work injury in the medical record.
Step 3 — File the formal claim
Formal claim deadlines range from 1 year (most states) to 3 years (New York, from injury date). This is different from the 30-day notice. File with your state's Workers' Compensation Board using the specific state form (California: DWC-1, New York: C-3, Texas: DWC-41).
Step 4 — Track your benefits
TTD payments should start within 14-21 days of filing in most states. If payments are late, you're often entitled to a late-payment penalty (10-25% in many states). Keep a log of all payments, doctor visits, and communications with the insurer.
Step 5 — Reach MMI and resolve the claim
When your doctor determines you've reached Maximum Medical Improvement, you'll get an impairment rating. At that point, you negotiate a permanent disability award (PPD) or settle the entire claim via a Compromise & Release. This is the critical decision point where hiring an attorney typically pays for itself.
Claim Denied? Your Appeal Options
Approximately 7% of workers' comp claims are denied initially, according to NCCI data. The denial letter will state a specific reason — understanding that reason is the first step to reversing it.
Top 5 reasons claims get denied
- Missed notice deadline (failed to report within the state's window, typically 30 days). Often reversible if you can prove the injury wasn't obvious until later, or the employer had constructive notice.
- Disputed causation (insurer argues the injury wasn't work-related). Overcome with treating physician testimony and contemporaneous medical records linking the injury to work activity.
- Pre-existing condition defense (insurer claims the condition isn't work-related). Overcome with baseline imaging showing a clear before/after and treating physician's opinion on aggravation.
- Intoxication defense (insurer argues alcohol/drugs contributed). Valid only if intoxication was the primary cause. Post-accident drug tests must meet chain-of-custody requirements.
- Misclassification (independent contractor vs. employee). Courts apply a multi-factor test focused on control, not the label on your paperwork. Often reversed.
The appeal process
Every state has a Workers' Compensation Board or Appeals Board. First step: request a hearing (California: WCAB, New York: WCB, Texas: DWC). Formal hearings are before an Administrative Law Judge, with witness testimony and exhibits. If you lose, you can appeal to the state appellate courts. At the hearing stage, represented claimants win reversal in 60-80% of cases vs. 15-25% for pro-se claimants.
When to hire a lawyer
If your claim is denied, hire a lawyer. Workers' comp attorneys work on contingency (typically 15-25% of benefits secured, much lower than personal injury) and the board must approve the fee. Most states cap contingency fees by statute. Free consultations are universal. For any denied claim, the math is overwhelmingly in favor of representation.
How much does a workers’ comp lawyer take? →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the average workers comp settlement?
The average workers compensation settlement is $20,000 to $50,000. Serious injury cases can settle for $100,000 to $500,000 or more. The amount depends on your state's workers comp laws, injury severity, AMA impairment rating, and whether you can return to work. According to the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), total workers comp benefits paid nationwide exceed $60 billion annually.
Do I need a lawyer for workers comp?
While not legally required, attorneys typically increase workers comp settlements by 30-50%. They're especially valuable if your claim is denied, if you have a permanent impairment rated under AMA Guides, or if your employer disputes your injury. Most workers comp attorneys work on contingency (25-33%).
Can I sue my employer for a work injury?
Generally no — workers compensation is the exclusive remedy for most workplace injuries in the United States. However, you may be able to sue third parties (equipment manufacturers, subcontractors) and your employer in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm. OSHA violations by your employer may strengthen a negligence claim.
What if my workers comp claim is denied?
About 7% of workers comp claims are initially denied according to insurance industry data. Common reasons include missed filing deadlines, disputed injury causation, or insufficient medical documentation. You can appeal a denial through your state's workers compensation board, and an attorney significantly improves your chances of overturning it.
How long do workers comp benefits last?
Temporary disability benefits typically last until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), usually 3-24 months. Permanent disability benefits may be paid as a lump sum or ongoing payments, depending on your state's workers compensation statutes and your AMA impairment level. Some states like California and New York have specific statutory maximums.
Does a pre-existing condition disqualify me from workers comp?
No. Under workers' comp law in all 50 states, an employer 'takes the worker as they find them.' If a pre-existing condition is aggravated, accelerated, or made symptomatic by work, the aggravation is compensable. You won't get paid for the underlying condition itself — but any work-related worsening is fully covered. Clear medical documentation showing the before/after state is critical.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' comp claim?
Retaliation for filing a workers' comp claim is illegal in every state. 49 states (all except Alabama in certain circumstances) have explicit workers' comp retaliation statutes. If you are fired, demoted, or harassed after filing, you can pursue a retaliation lawsuit separate from your comp claim. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages.
What is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
An IME is a medical exam ordered by the insurance company with a doctor of their choosing — usually a paid insurance expert, not your treating physician. IME doctors are hired to produce opinions favorable to the insurer. You are required to attend when properly scheduled, but you should bring someone to witness the exam, document everything, and not volunteer information beyond what's asked. IME reports are often challenged successfully at hearing.
Should I accept a lump-sum settlement or continuing benefits?
Lump-sum settlements ('Comp & Release' or C&R) close your claim permanently — you get money now but give up all future benefits including medical care. Continuing benefits (also called 'stipulation') keep medical care open but pay less cash up front. Choose C&R if: you've reached MMI, future care is predictable, you want to end dealings with the insurer. Choose stipulation if: your condition may worsen, you have ongoing treatment needs, or you may need surgery in the future.
Can I return to work while receiving workers' comp?
Yes, and most states actively encourage it through 'light-duty' or 'modified-duty' assignments. Returning to a modified role at reduced wages still qualifies you for 'temporary partial disability' (TPD) benefits — typically two-thirds of the wage difference. Refusing a legitimate modified-duty offer that fits your medical restrictions can reduce or terminate your benefits. But if the employer can't accommodate your restrictions, you continue to receive TTD until MMI.
Related Research
Workers' Comp Calculators by State
Weekly maximums, PPD schedules, and lump-sum rules vary by state: