Workers Compensation Calculator
Calculate workers compensation benefits including temporary disability, permanent disability, and settlement value.
Basic Information
Disability Details
Weekly Benefit Amount
$800.04/week
Settlement Estimate Range
Low Estimate
$34,600
Benefits + Medical
High Estimate
$86,501
Includes future costs
Settlement values vary based on liability, future medical needs, return-to-work potential, and negotiation. Consult an attorney for accurate valuation.
Benefit Calculation Breakdown
Generic / Other States Workers Comp Guidelines
Using industry average rates. Check your specific state for accurate calculations.
Max Weekly
$1100
TTD Rate
66.67%
Max TTD Weeks
104
Waiting Period
7 days
Disability Types Explained
TTD
Temporarily cannot work at all
TPD
Temporarily reduced work capacity
PPD
Permanent partial impairment
PTD
Permanently unable to work
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Actual workers compensation benefits depend on your state laws, employer insurance, specific injury details, medical evaluations, and many other factors. Insurance companies may dispute claims or valuations. Always consult with a qualified workers compensation attorney for accurate guidance on your specific case.
What Workers Comp Covers
Typically Covered:
- Medical expenses (100% covered)
- Wage replacement benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Permanent disability payments
- Death benefits to dependents
Generally NOT Covered:
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Injuries from intoxication
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries during commute (usually)
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
If you have been injured at work, understanding your workers compensation benefits is crucial for financial planning during recovery. Workers comp provides wage replacement, medical coverage, and disability benefits, but the calculations can be complex. This calculator helps you estimate your temporary disability payments, permanent disability awards, and potential settlement value.
What Workers Compensation Covers:
- Medical expenses (100% of reasonable and necessary treatment)
- Temporary disability (wage replacement during recovery)
- Permanent disability (compensation for lasting impairment)
- Vocational rehabilitation (retraining if needed)
- Death benefits (for families of deceased workers)
How Benefits Are Calculated: Most workers comp benefits are based on your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), which is typically calculated from your earnings over the 52 weeks before your injury. Temporary disability usually pays two-thirds of your AWW, subject to state minimum and maximum limits.
State Variations: Workers compensation is regulated at the state level, and benefits vary significantly. California might pay $290-$1,619/week for temporary disability, while Texas might pay $200-$1,111/week. This calculator provides general estimates that you should verify against your specific state`s rules.
For related legal calculations, see our Lawsuit Settlement Calculator. To understand how work injuries affect your overall finances, visit our Salary Calculator.
How to Use the Workers Compensation Calculator
- 1Enter your gross weekly or annual wages before the injury.
- 2Select your state to apply the correct benefit rates and limits.
- 3Input your injury date to determine applicable benefit rates.
- 4Select your disability type (temporary total, temporary partial, permanent partial, permanent total).
- 5For permanent disability, enter your impairment rating percentage if known.
- 6Review your estimated weekly benefit, maximum benefit duration, and total estimated benefits.
- 7For settlement estimates, see how lump-sum values are calculated.
Types of Workers Compensation Benefits
Workers comp provides several types of benefits depending on your injury severity and recovery.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Paid when you cannot work at all during recovery.
| State | TTD Rate | Weekly Maximum (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2/3 of AWW | $1,619.15 |
| Texas | 70% of AWW | $1,111.00 |
| New York | 2/3 of AWW | $1,145.43 |
| Florida | 2/3 of AWW | $1,197.00 |
| Illinois | 2/3 of AWW | $1,796.78 |
Duration: Until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) or return to work.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Paid when you can work but with restrictions that reduce your earnings.
Formula: 2/3 × (Pre-injury AWW - Current Earnings)
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Compensation for lasting impairment after MMI.
Calculation Methods:
- Scheduled injuries (specific body parts): Set number of weeks based on body part
- Unscheduled injuries: Based on impairment rating and wage loss
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
For injuries so severe you can never work again.
Benefits: Usually 2/3 of AWW for life (subject to state maximums)
Death Benefits
For families of workers who die from work injuries:
- Funeral expenses
- Weekly benefits to dependents
- Duration varies by state and dependent status
Calculating Your Average Weekly Wage
Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is the foundation for all workers comp benefit calculations.
Standard AWW Calculation
Formula: Total earnings over 52 weeks ÷ weeks worked
Example:
- Annual salary: $52,000
- AWW = $52,000 ÷ 52 = $1,000/week
AWW for Variable Income
If your income varies (overtime, seasonal work, multiple jobs):
| Situation | Calculation Method |
|---|---|
| Regular overtime | Include average overtime |
| Seasonal work | May use shorter period or estimate annual |
| Multiple jobs | Include all employment |
| Part-time | May use similar full-time employee wage |
| Tips | Include reported tips |
Concurrent Employment
If you work multiple jobs and are injured at one:
- Some states: Only count wages from injury employer
- Other states: Include all concurrent employment
What Counts as Wages
Included:
- Base salary/hourly wages
- Regular overtime
- Commissions
- Tips (reported)
- Housing/lodging value
- Employer-paid benefits
Usually Excluded:
- Sporadic overtime
- One-time bonuses
- Expense reimbursements
AWW Disputes
If you disagree with the calculated AWW:
- Request documentation from employer
- Provide pay stubs, tax returns
- May need hearing before workers comp judge
Permanent Disability Ratings
Permanent disability compensation depends on your impairment rating, which a doctor assigns after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
How Ratings Work
An impairment rating is a percentage representing your permanent loss of function.
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0% | Full recovery, no permanent impairment |
| 1-25% | Mild permanent impairment |
| 26-50% | Moderate permanent impairment |
| 51-75% | Significant permanent impairment |
| 76-99% | Severe permanent impairment |
| 100% | Total permanent disability |
Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Injuries
Scheduled Injuries: Specific body parts with predetermined benefit amounts
| Body Part | Weeks (Example: California) |
|---|---|
| Thumb | 65.25 weeks |
| Index finger | 41.25 weeks |
| Hand | 205.75 weeks |
| Arm | 253 weeks |
| Foot | 158 weeks |
| Leg | 232.75 weeks |
| Eye | 163 weeks |
| Hearing (one ear) | 57.75 weeks |
Unscheduled Injuries: Back, neck, head, internal organs - calculated by formula using rating
Rating Disputes
Common reasons to dispute a rating:
- Second opinion shows different impairment
- All conditions not considered
- Incorrect medical records reviewed
- Wrong body part rated
You may request an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
Workers Comp Settlements
Many workers comp cases settle as lump-sum payments rather than ongoing weekly benefits.
Types of Settlements
Stipulated Award (Stip):
- Agree on disability level and benefits
- Insurance pays over time
- Medical remains open
- Can reopen if condition worsens
Compromise and Release (C&R):
- Lump-sum payment
- Closes out entire claim
- Medical usually closed
- Cannot reopen later
Settlement Valuation Factors
| Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Disability rating | Higher rating = higher value |
| Age | Younger = more future lost wages |
| Wages | Higher AWW = higher value |
| Future medical needs | More treatment = higher value |
| Liability disputes | Questionable claims settle lower |
| State law | Some states more generous |
Present Value Calculation
Future benefits are discounted to present value:
Example:
- $500/week for 100 weeks = $50,000 nominal
- Present value at 4% discount = ~$45,000
When to Settle
Consider Settling If:
- Want closure and certainty
- Need lump sum for specific purpose
- Liability is questionable
- Want control over medical decisions
Avoid Settling If:
- Condition may worsen
- Need ongoing medical care
- Rating seems too low
- Under financial pressure to accept low offer
Always consult a workers comp attorney before settling.
State-by-State Benefit Variations
Workers comp benefits vary dramatically by state. Here are key differences for major states.
Weekly Benefit Maximums (2026)
| State | TTD Maximum | PPD Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| California | $1,619.15 | $290/week |
| Texas | $1,111.00 | $1,111.00 |
| New York | $1,145.43 | $1,145.43 |
| Florida | $1,197.00 | $1,197.00 |
| Illinois | $1,796.78 | $979.26 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,273.00 | $1,273.00 |
| Ohio | $1,100.00 | $1,100.00 |
Unique State Rules
California:
- Separate benefit rates for temporary and permanent disability
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
- Mandatory settlement conferences
Texas:
- Employers can opt out of workers comp
- 401 weeks maximum for most injuries
- Lifetime benefits for certain injuries
Florida:
- 104-week limit on temporary benefits
- Sliding scale for permanent impairment
- No PPD for ratings under 1%
New York:
- Classification by schedule vs. non-schedule
- Permanent partial can last years
- Medical treatment guidelines
Waiting Periods
| State | Waiting Period | Retroactive After |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 days | 14 days |
| Texas | 7 days | 14 days |
| New York | 7 days | 14 days |
| Florida | 7 days | 21 days |
| Illinois | 3 days | 14 days |
Common Workers Comp Issues
Understanding common problems helps you protect your rights.
Claim Denials
Common denial reasons:
- Injury not reported timely
- Condition claimed as pre-existing
- Injury did not occur at work
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Intoxication at time of injury
If denied: You can appeal through your state`s workers comp appeals process.
Employer Retaliation
Illegal retaliation includes:
- Firing you for filing a claim
- Demoting or reducing hours
- Harassment or hostile treatment
- Threatening deportation
Protection: Most states have anti-retaliation laws. Document everything.
Disputes Over Treatment
If insurer denies treatment:
- Request a utilization review
- Get second medical opinion
- File for expedited hearing if urgent
- Consider independent medical review
Returning to Work
Types of Return:
- Full duty: No restrictions
- Modified duty: Same job with restrictions
- Alternative work: Different job within restrictions
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training for new career
If employer cannot accommodate restrictions:
- Temporary disability may continue
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Supplemental job displacement (some states)
Third-Party Claims
If someone other than your employer caused your injury:
- Workers comp pays your benefits
- You can sue the third party
- Workers comp gets reimbursed from any recovery
- You may keep the excess
Pro Tips
- 💡Report your injury to your employer immediately, even if it seems minor.
- 💡Get medical attention right away and tell the doctor it is a work-related injury.
- 💡Document everything: incident details, witnesses, symptoms, and treatment.
- 💡Keep copies of all paperwork, medical records, and correspondence.
- 💡Follow your doctor`s treatment plan and attend all appointments.
- 💡Do not sign anything from the insurance company without understanding it.
- 💡Get your impairment rating from a qualified physician, consider a second opinion.
- 💡Understand your state`s specific workers comp rules and benefit limits.
- 💡Do not accept a settlement without consulting a workers comp attorney.
- 💡Know your rights regarding returning to work and job protection.
- 💡Track all out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
- 💡Be honest about your injury and limitations - fraud has serious consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary disability typically pays two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, subject to state minimum and maximum limits. For example, if you earn $900/week and your state maximum is $1,000, you would receive $600/week. Permanent disability payments depend on your impairment rating and state formula.
