A workers comp settlement estimator calculates the potential lump-sum settlement value for a permanent partial disability workers compensation claim. Results are based on state-specific benefit schedules, your impairment rating, and your pre-injury wages.
Legal Disclaimer: This tool provides general estimates for educational purposes only. Workers compensation laws vary significantly by state. Actual settlement values depend on your specific injury, state law, and negotiation. Consult a licensed workers compensation attorney for advice on your situation.
Claim Details
As assessed by the treating or IME physician
Helps estimate future medical value in settlement
Estimated Settlement Range
Settlement Breakdown
Workers compensation laws vary significantly by state. This estimate is for general educational purposes only. Always consult a workers compensation attorney before accepting any settlement.
How to Use the Workers Comp Settlement Estimator
Workers compensation settlements are complex because they vary enormously by state law, injury type, and individual circumstances. This workers comp settlement estimator gives you a rough order-of-magnitude estimate using common calculation methods so you can go into settlement negotiations with realistic expectations.
Step 1: Select Your State and Body Part
Workers comp laws differ dramatically by state. New York and California have some of the most favorable benefit structures for injured workers, while Texas allows employers to opt out of workers comp entirely. Each state has a "schedule of losses" that assigns a maximum number of benefit weeks to each body part. An arm might be worth 312 weeks in New York vs. 200 weeks in other states. Back injuries are "unscheduled" (whole body) and typically use a different formula.
Step 2: Enter Your Wage and Impairment Rating
Your average weekly wage determines the dollar value of each benefit week. Most states pay 2/3 of your AWW, subject to a maximum cap. The impairment rating, assigned by a doctor after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), is the percentage of function you've permanently lost. A 10% impairment rating on an arm in New York = 10% × 312 weeks = 31.2 weeks of benefits.
Lump Sum vs. Ongoing Benefits
A "compromise and release" settlement pays you a lump sum to close the case permanently — including future medical. "Stipulated award" keeps the case open for future medical treatment but settles the disability benefits. Which is better depends on your situation: if you expect continued medical needs (surgery, injections, medications), keeping the case open for medical benefits has real value. Consult a workers comp attorney — most work on contingency (typically 10–20% of the recovery).
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a workers comp settlement calculated?
Workers comp settlements are based on: (1) permanent impairment rating assigned by a doctor, (2) your weekly wage, (3) the body part injured (each state has a 'schedule' assigning max weeks per body part), and (4) whether it's a scheduled or unscheduled (whole body) injury. A 10% impairment rating on an arm injury in NY might yield 31.2 weeks of benefits.
Should I settle my workers comp case?
Settlement (compromise and release) closes your case permanently, typically in exchange for a lump sum. Benefits: certainty, control over your medical care, ability to move on. Risks: if your condition worsens, you have no further claim. Consult a workers comp attorney — most work on contingency.
What is a permanent partial disability settlement?
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) settlement compensates you for lasting impairment after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). The settlement is typically based on your impairment rating × state's dollar value per week × applicable body part weeks.
How long do workers comp settlements take?
Minor cases can settle in 3–12 months. Complex cases with disputed liability or significant medical expenses can take 1–3 years. Your case should not settle until you reach MMI (maximum medical improvement) — settling too early may leave compensation on the table.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser.