Estimate a potential settlement range for your workers' compensation claim.
This calculator provides an approximation and is not a substitute for legal advice.
Your Estimated Settlement Range:
Understanding Workers' Compensation Settlements
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. In situations where an injury results in a permanent impairment or a long-term loss of earning capacity, a lump-sum settlement may be negotiated with the insurance carrier. This calculator aims to provide a rough estimate of such a settlement.
Key Factors and Calculation Logic
The estimated settlement is primarily based on the worker's average weekly wage (AWW), the severity of their permanent disability, and the expected duration of their reduced earning capacity. Legal fees are also factored in as they are typically deducted from the settlement amount.
Average Weekly Wage (AWW): This is a foundational figure representing your typical earnings before the injury. It is crucial for calculating the value of lost wages.
Permanent Disability Percentage (%): This is a rating assigned by a medical professional (and often reviewed by a vocational expert) that quantifies the permanent functional impairment resulting from the work injury. Different states have different rating schedules. A higher percentage generally indicates a more severe and impactful disability.
Estimated Weeks of Impairment/Loss of Earning Capacity: This estimates how long the disability is expected to affect your ability to earn a full-time wage. This can be influenced by factors like age, occupation, and the nature of the impairment.
Legal Fees (%): Attorneys often take a percentage of the final settlement as their fee. This percentage varies but is typically between 20-33%.
The basic calculation considers the projected weekly loss in earning capacity multiplied by the estimated number of weeks this loss is expected to persist. This can be simplified as:
Estimated Total Disability Value = (Average Weekly Wage * Disability Percentage) * Weeks of Impairment
From this, an estimated settlement amount is derived, and then the estimated legal fees are deducted to provide a net settlement estimate.
Important Considerations:
State Laws Vary Significantly: Workers' compensation laws are state-specific. The calculation methods, disability ratings, and settlement practices differ greatly from one jurisdiction to another.
Medical Evidence is Crucial: The accuracy of the disability percentage is heavily dependent on thorough medical evaluations and documentation.
Vocational Experts: In complex cases, vocational experts may be involved to assess the impact of the injury on your ability to find and maintain gainful employment.
Negotiation: A settlement is a negotiation. The final amount can be influenced by the strength of your case, the insurance company's assessment, and the skills of your legal representation.
Not Legal Advice: This calculator is a tool for estimation only. It does not constitute legal advice. It is highly recommended to consult with a qualified workers' compensation attorney to understand your specific rights and the true value of your claim.
function calculateSettlement() {
var aww = parseFloat(document.getElementById("averageWeeklyWage").value);
var disabilityPercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("disabilityPercentage").value);
var weeksOfImpairment = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weeksOfImpairment").value);
var legalFeesPercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("legalFeesPercentage").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var settlementValueSpan = document.getElementById("settlementValue");
if (isNaN(aww) || isNaN(disabilityPercentage) || isNaN(weeksOfImpairment) || isNaN(legalFeesPercentage)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for all fields.");
resultDiv.style.display = "none";
return;
}
if (aww < 0 || disabilityPercentage < 0 || weeksOfImpairment < 0 || legalFeesPercentage 100) {
alert("Please enter positive numbers. Legal fees percentage cannot exceed 100%.");
resultDiv.style.display = "none";
return;
}
// Basic estimation formula
var estimatedTotalDisabilityValue = (aww * (disabilityPercentage / 100)) * weeksOfImpairment;
// Calculate estimated legal fees based on the estimated total disability value
var estimatedLegalFees = estimatedTotalDisabilityValue * (legalFeesPercentage / 100);
// Calculate the net estimated settlement
var netEstimatedSettlement = estimatedTotalDisabilityValue – estimatedLegalFees;
// Format the result nicely
// For simplicity, we are showing a single estimated value. In reality, this is a range.
// We'll display the net estimated settlement.
settlementValueSpan.textContent = "$" + netEstimatedSettlement.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}