Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator

Estimate a potential workers' compensation settlement based on your wage, impairment rating, and medical costs.

Average Weekly Wage ($)

Impairment Rating (%)

Weeks of Benefit per 1% Impairment

Medical Bills Already Incurred ($)

Estimated Total Settlement

This uses a generic 4 weeks-per-1%-impairment assumption — your state's actual formula may differ substantially.

Weekly Compensation Rate (2/3 of wage)$0

Impairment Benefit Weeks0 weeks

Impairment Benefit Total$0

Medical Bills$0

Estimated Total Settlement Range$0

⚠️ This is a rough educational estimate only, not legal advice. Workers' compensation formulas vary enormously by state, and your actual settlement depends on your state's statutory rates, your specific impairment rating, and your case's facts.

How are workers' compensation settlements calculated?

Most state workers' compensation systems replace a portion of your lost wages, typically around two-thirds (roughly 66.67%) of your average weekly wage, while you are unable to work. For permanent partial disabilities, states use an "impairment rating" — a percentage assigned by a doctor during a medical evaluation, based on standardized guidelines, that represents how much a body part or function has been permanently affected. That impairment percentage is then multiplied by a state-specific number of compensable weeks per percentage point to determine how many weeks of additional benefits you're owed.

Why the "weeks per percent" number matters so much

This is the single biggest source of variation between states. Some states assign as few as 1-2 weeks of benefit per percentage point of impairment, while others assign 4-6 weeks or more, and some states use entirely different formulas based on the specific body part injured (a "schedule of losses"). Because of this wide variation, this calculator uses an editable, illustrative default of 4 weeks per 1% impairment — you should adjust this if you know your state's actual multiplier, or ask your attorney or claims adjuster what applies in your case.

What else affects your real settlement

Beyond the impairment benefit and reimbursement of medical bills already paid, a real settlement negotiation may also account for future medical care, vocational rehabilitation, permanent total disability status, and any dispute over whether the injury is fully work-related. This calculator provides a simplified, educational estimate only — it is not legal or financial advice. Workers' comp cases are highly state-specific and fact-specific, so consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney or your state's workers' comp board before accepting or estimating any settlement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is a workers' comp settlement calculated?

Most estimates combine a wage-replacement rate (commonly about two-thirds of your average weekly wage) multiplied by a number of benefit weeks tied to your impairment rating, plus reimbursement for medical bills already incurred. The exact formula and rates vary significantly by state.

What is an impairment rating and who decides it?

An impairment rating is a percentage assigned by a doctor, usually after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), that reflects how much a body part or bodily function has been permanently affected by your injury. It's typically based on standardized medical guidelines and is central to calculating permanent partial disability benefits.

Why does "weeks per 1% impairment" vary so much by state?

Each state legislature sets its own workers' compensation statute, and the number of compensable weeks per percentage point of impairment can range from roughly 1 week to 6 or more depending on the state and sometimes the specific body part injured. Adjust the field above if you know your state's actual figure.

Is a workers' comp settlement taxable?

Generally, workers' compensation benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax. However, specific circumstances (such as an offset with Social Security Disability benefits) can affect this, so confirm your situation with a tax professional or attorney.

Should I accept a lump-sum settlement or take structured payments?

A lump-sum settlement gives you the full amount (often discounted) up front, while structured payments spread benefits out over time. The right choice depends on your ongoing medical needs, financial situation, and whether you expect future treatment costs — this is a decision worth discussing with an attorney before signing anything.

Does this calculator include future medical care or vocational rehabilitation?

No. This tool only estimates the impairment benefit and already-incurred medical bills. A real settlement may also need to account for anticipated future medical treatment, vocational retraining, or permanent total disability status, which can substantially increase the final number.

Do I need a lawyer to negotiate a workers' comp settlement?

It's not legally required, but many injured workers benefit from legal representation, especially for higher-value claims or disputed impairment ratings, since insurers often have strong incentive to minimize payouts. Many workers' comp attorneys work on contingency, taking a percentage of the settlement rather than an upfront fee.

How accurate is this workers' comp settlement estimate?

This is a rough, educational estimate only, not legal or financial advice. Actual workers' compensation settlements depend on your state's specific statutory formula, your documented impairment rating, disputed facts, and negotiation. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney or your state's workers' comp board for guidance on your case.