Workers' Compensation
Calculator
Workers' compensation provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured on the job. Every state has its own formula, benefit caps, and filing requirements. This free calculator estimates your weekly benefit amount based on your wages, state, and injury type so you know what to expect before filing a claim.
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Estimate Your Workers' Comp Benefits
Enter your average weekly wage, state, and injury type to see an estimated weekly benefit amount and total claim value.
How Workers' Comp Benefits Are Calculated
Workers' compensation benefits are based on your average weekly wage (AWW) — the average of your gross earnings over the 52 weeks preceding your injury. Most states use a wage replacement rate of 66.67% (two-thirds) of your AWW, though some states go as high as 80%.
The Basic Formula
Weekly Benefit = AWW x Wage Replacement Rate (usually 66.67%)
- State maximum: Every state caps the weekly benefit, typically at 100-150% of the statewide average weekly wage. Even high earners cannot exceed this cap.
- State minimum: Most states assure a minimum weekly benefit, often around $200-$400/week, to protect low-wage workers.
- AWW includes: Regular wages, overtime (if consistent), shift differentials, tips, and some bonuses. Irregular overtime and one-time bonuses are usually excluded.
- Waiting period: Most states impose a 3-7 day waiting period before benefits begin. If disability extends beyond a retroactive period (often 14-21 days), the waiting period is paid retroactively.
Types of Workers' Comp Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Paid when you cannot work at all while recovering. Benefits are typically 66.67% of your AWW, subject to state maximums. TTD ends when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or return to work. Most states cap TTD at 104-500 weeks.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Paid when you can return to work in a limited capacity at reduced pay. Benefits are usually 66.67% of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages. Encourages early return to modified duty while maintaining income support.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Paid when your injury results in a permanent impairment but you can still work. Calculated using an impairment rating (assigned by a physician) multiplied by a dollar amount per percentage point. Scheduled injuries (loss of limb) have fixed benefit amounts.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Paid when your injury permanently prevents you from working in any capacity. Benefits are typically the same rate as TTD but may continue for life. Some states presume PTD for certain injuries like loss of both hands, both eyes, or brain injuries.
State Workers' Comp Rate Comparison
Workers' comp benefits vary significantly by state. Here are the key rates for 10 of the largest states:
| State | Max Weekly Benefit | Wage Replacement | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $1,619.15 | 66.67% | 3 days |
| Texas | $1,111.00 | 70% | 7 days |
| Florida | $1,197.00 | 66.67% | 7 days |
| New York | $1,145.43 | 66.67% | 7 days |
| Ohio | $1,115.00 | 72% | 7 days |
| Illinois | $1,798.27 | 66.67% | 3 days |
| Pennsylvania | $1,273.00 | 66.67% | 7 days |
| Georgia | $725.00 | 66.67% | 7 days |
| North Carolina | $1,254.00 | 66.67% | 7 days |
| Michigan | $1,109.29 | 80% | 7 days |
Common Workers' Comp Mistakes
Missing Filing Deadlines
Every state has a statute of limitations for filing a workers' comp claim — typically 1-3 years from the date of injury. But most states also require you to notify your employer within 30-90 days. Missing the employer notification deadline is one of the most common reasons claims are denied, even when the injury is legitimate.
Not Reporting the Injury Immediately
Delaying injury reporting creates doubt about whether the injury is work-related. Report every workplace injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor. Many serious conditions (herniated discs, repetitive stress injuries) worsen over time, and late reporting makes it harder to prove causation.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make lowball initial offers, especially for permanent disability settlements. Before accepting, understand the full value of your claim including future medical care, permanent impairment, and lost earning capacity. Once you sign a settlement, you typically waive all future rights to additional benefits for that injury.
Not Getting an Independent Medical Exam
The insurance company's doctor works for the insurer, not for you. If you disagree with a diagnosis, impairment rating, or determination that you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), request an independent medical examination (IME). Many states allow you to choose your own IME physician or select from a neutral panel.
When to Hire a Workers' Comp Attorney
Not every workers' comp claim requires an attorney, but these situations almost always do:
- Your claim has been denied or your employer disputes that the injury is work-related
- You have a pre-existing condition that the insurer claims is the real cause of your symptoms
- Your injury results in permanent disability or a significant impairment rating
- You are being offered a lump-sum settlement and need to evaluate whether it covers future medical needs
- Your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim (termination, demotion, reduced hours)
- You need surgery or expensive medical treatment that the insurer is delaying or denying
- Your case involves third-party liability (e.g., a defective product or negligent subcontractor)
- You receive both workers' comp and Social Security disability, which triggers offset calculations
Frequently Asked Questions
Edited and reviewed by our editorial team. Answers are general information — not legal advice.
How is workers' comp calculated?
Workers' comp benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage (AWW). Most states pay two-thirds (66.67%) of your AWW for temporary total disability, subject to state-specific maximum and minimum weekly benefit caps. Your AWW is usually based on your earnings over the 52 weeks before your injury, including overtime and regular bonuses.
How long do workers' comp benefits last?
The duration depends on your injury type and state laws. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits last until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or return to work. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits may last for life in some states. Most states cap temporary benefits at 104 to 500 weeks, while a few states like California cap TTD at 104 weeks for most injuries.
Can I be fired while on workers' comp?
Technically, employers can terminate your employment while you are on workers' comp, but they cannot fire you because you filed a claim. Retaliatory termination is illegal in every state. If you are fired while receiving benefits, your workers' comp benefits generally continue. However, if you believe you were terminated in retaliation, consult an attorney immediately.
What if my employer doesn't have workers' comp insurance?
In most states, employers are legally required to carry workers' comp insurance. If your employer is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim with your state's uninsured employer fund, sue your employer directly in civil court (where you can recover pain and suffering damages not available in workers' comp), or file a complaint with your state labor department. Texas and a few other states do not require all employers to carry coverage.
Do I need a lawyer for workers' comp?
You may not need a lawyer for straightforward claims where your employer accepts the injury, you receive proper treatment, and you return to work quickly. However, you should consult an attorney if your claim is denied, your employer disputes the injury, you have a pre-existing condition, you are offered a settlement, or your injury results in permanent disability. Workers' comp attorneys typically work on contingency (12-20% of your award).
What injuries qualify for workers' comp?
Workers' comp covers injuries and illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment. This includes sudden injuries (falls, machinery accidents), repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel, back injuries from lifting), occupational diseases (mesothelioma, hearing loss), and mental health conditions in some states (PTSD for first responders). Injuries during commuting are generally not covered, but injuries during work-related travel are.
Can I choose my own doctor for workers' comp?
It depends on your state. Some states allow you to choose your treating physician from the start. Others require you to see a doctor from your employer's approved panel or managed care organization. Many states allow you to switch doctors after an initial visit or after a certain period. In states with employer-directed care, you can usually request an independent medical examination (IME) if you disagree with the panel doctor's findings.
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