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).