Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart: What It Really Means for Injured Workers

Life can feel chaotic and disorienting after a workplace injury. You’re trying to focus on recovery and paying the bills, but you’re also buried in forms, deadlines, and unfamiliar terms. 

As a workers’ compensation attorney, I’ve seen how overwhelming this process can be. That’s why I created this guide and Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart. It helps you understand the moving parts that make up a claim — things like the severity of your injury, how much income you’ve lost, and whether your doctor thinks you’ll fully recover.

How Settlement Amounts Are Calculated

No two workers’ comp cases are the same, but there are a few key factors that carry the most weight when it comes to calculating a settlement.

One of the biggest factors in your settlement is your wage replacement rate — the amount workers’ comp pays to replace part of your lost income. It’s based on your average weekly wage (AWW), which includes your regular pay, overtime, and bonuses averaged over the year before your injury. Most workers receive about two-thirds of that amount each week while they’re unable to work. This number is what insurance companies and lawyers use to calculate a fair settlement if your injury leads to permanent loss of income.

Next is your impairment rating. Once you reach what’s called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) — the point when your doctor believes you’ve healed as much as possible — the doctor may assign a percentage rating that represents your permanent loss of function. For example, a 15% loss of use of an arm would be factored into how much compensation you’re owed for permanent damage.

Your future medical care also plays a big role. Injuries that will require future surgery, ongoing therapy, or long-term pain management significantly increase the value of your claim.

Your type of work matters too. If your job is physically demanding — like construction, manufacturing, or delivery — and your injury prevents you from returning to it, your payout may be higher to reflect the loss of earning capacity. Someone with a lighter-duty job may be able to return sooner, which can reduce the overall settlement amount.

Age can also influence settlement value. Older workers might qualify for higher compensation if their injury limits future work opportunities or makes retraining difficult. However, insurers sometimes argue the opposite — claiming that an older worker’s “reduced work-life expectancy” minimizes what they should receive.

The type and severity of your injury matter. Some injuries like amputations, serious fractures, or spinal trauma automatically qualify for higher compensation because they significantly impact your ability to work.

State laws make a difference too because every state has its own rules for workers’ comp. Compare Virginia and Maryland, for example. In Virginia, most benefits are capped at 500 weeks unless the injury is totally disabling — like losing two limbs or both eyes. Maryland uses its own schedule of payments, with no time cap and specific formulas based on the type and severity of your injury.

Together, these factors determine the range of what your settlement might be worth. The stronger your medical documentation, the clearer your impairment rating, and the more lasting your injury, the more leverage you have when negotiating a fair outcome.

Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart at a Glance

Understanding the key factors that shape your settlement is the first step — but even with everything in order, the process can still take time.

What Can Slow Down a Workers’ Comp Settlement

Even strong, legitimate claims can take time to resolve. It’s not uncommon for someone who has been injured on the job to wonder, “When will workers’ comp offer a settlement?” The workers’ comp system moves slowly by nature, and a few common issues can cause additional delays.

Disputes over medical treatment or disability ratings are among the biggest setbacks. If the insurance company questions your doctor’s recommendations or the severity of your injury, it can hold up both payments and settlement discussions. Missing or incomplete medical records can cause the same problem — paperwork is everything in a comp case.

Sometimes the delay comes from questions about whether your injury is truly “work-related.” The insurer may challenge whether the accident happened on the job or was caused by something outside of work. And if you’re still healing, facing surgery, or haven’t reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) yet, the company may wait until your recovery stabilizes before making an offer.

Even small things — like missed doctor appointments, gaps in physical therapy, or late forms — can make your case appear weaker and give the insurer an excuse to slow things down. Staying consistent with your treatment plan and keeping all records in order helps move your case forward.

If your claim seems stuck, an experienced workers’ comp attorney can help clear the roadblocks — making sure deadlines are met, evidence is complete, and, eventually, helping you to decide which type of settlement is best for you. 

The 3 Most Common Types of Workers’ Comp Settlements

Workers’ comp settlements typically fall into one of three categories — each with its own tradeoffs for flexibility, timing, and future medical care:

1. A lump sum settlement gives you one payment that closes your case completely. While this is a convenient option, it eliminates your ability to recoup medical costs associated with ongoing complications of your injury. 
2. A lump sum with open medical lets you settle your wage loss but keep medical coverage open for continued treatment. This may require ongoing insurance oversight and a longer negotiation time, but it comes with the ongoing financial relief and care related to your injury. 
3. A structured settlement pays you in smaller scheduled installments over time instead of one large check. While this may limit your ability to pay off large upfront medical expenses, it offers a predictable income over time.
   

Once a settlement is approved, it’s usually final. Make sure you understand what rights you’re giving up before signing.

Workers’ Comp Settlement FAQs

Final Takeaways

Your workers’ comp settlement isn’t just a number on a chart — it’s your chance to rebuild what an injury took away. Understanding how your claim is valued gives you the power to make confident decisions when it matters most.

If you’re still healing, take care of yourself and stay organized. If you’ve reached MMI, look closely at your options. And before you sign anything, make sure a workers’ compensation attorney is protecting your interests — not the insurer’s.

If you’re in the DMV area, the lawyers at Gammon & Grange can help make sure your settlement truly reflects what you’ve lost — and what you’ve earned.