Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator
Use this calculator to get an estimated value of a potential workers' compensation settlement. Please note that workers' compensation laws vary significantly by state, and this calculator provides a simplified estimate based on common factors. Always consult with a qualified workers' compensation attorney for personalized advice.
Your average weekly earnings before the injury.
Doctor-assigned percentage of whole person impairment (e.g., 10 for 10%).
This multiplier varies by state (e.g., 3 weeks per 1% impairment).
Anticipated costs for future medical treatment related to the injury.
Medical expenses you've paid out-of-pocket that haven't been reimbursed.
A factor for pain, suffering, and future lost earning capacity (highly subjective).
The percentage of the gross settlement that goes to legal fees (e.g., 20 for 20%).
Estimated Settlement Details:
Enter your details and click "Calculate" to see your estimated settlement.
Understanding Your Workers' Comp Settlement
A workers' compensation settlement is an agreement between an injured worker and the employer's insurance company to resolve a workers' compensation claim. Instead of receiving ongoing benefits, the worker receives a lump sum payment. This calculator helps you understand the potential value of such a settlement, though actual outcomes can vary widely.
Key Factors Influencing Your Settlement
Several critical components contribute to the overall value of a workers' comp settlement:
- Average Weekly Wage (AWW): This is your average earnings before your injury. It's fundamental because many benefits, including temporary and permanent disability payments, are calculated as a percentage of your AWW.
- Impairment Rating (IR): After reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), a doctor will assign an Impairment Rating, which is a percentage reflecting the permanent loss of use of a body part or function. This rating is a primary driver for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits.
- Weeks per 1% Impairment: State laws dictate how many weeks of benefits you receive for each percentage point of impairment. This multiplier is crucial for calculating your total PPD value.
- Medical Expenses (Past & Future): The settlement often includes compensation for medical treatment already received (if unreimbursed) and an estimate for future medical care related to the injury.
- Lost Wages (Temporary Total Disability – TTD): While TTD benefits cover wages lost during recovery, a settlement might account for any unpaid TTD or, more commonly, for future lost earning capacity due to the permanent impairment.
- General Damages Multiplier: This factor attempts to account for non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and the impact of the injury on your overall quality of life and future earning potential. It's highly subjective and often negotiated.
- Legal Fees: Workers' compensation attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they take a percentage of your settlement. This percentage is usually capped by state law.
How This Calculator Works
Our calculator uses a simplified model to estimate your settlement:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Value: It first calculates your weekly PPD rate (typically 2/3 of your AWW) and multiplies it by the total weeks of benefits determined by your Impairment Rating and the state-specific "Weeks per 1% Impairment" factor.
- Medical Costs: It adds your estimated future medical costs and any unreimbursed past medical costs.
- General Damages: A "General Damages Multiplier" is applied to your PPD value to estimate compensation for pain, suffering, and future lost earning capacity.
- Gross Settlement: These components are summed to provide an estimated gross settlement amount.
- Net Settlement: Finally, the estimated legal fees (based on your input percentage) are deducted from the gross settlement to show your estimated net payout.
Important Considerations and Disclaimers
This calculator is an educational tool and provides a rough estimate. It cannot account for all the complexities of workers' compensation law. Here are crucial points to remember:
- State Laws Vary: Workers' compensation is governed by state law, and rules regarding benefit rates, impairment ratings, and settlement structures differ significantly.
- Individual Circumstances: Factors like your age, occupation, pre-existing conditions, and the specific nature of your injury can all impact your settlement.
- Negotiation: Settlements are often the result of negotiation between your attorney and the insurance company.
- Legal Advice is Essential: This calculator is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Always consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney in your state to understand your rights and the true value of your claim.
Use this tool as a starting point for understanding potential settlement values, but rely on legal professionals for accurate guidance on your specific case.