California Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart by Injury Type & Cause 2025
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Updated 1/7/25
According to the most recent recent research from Martindale Nolo, the average workers’ compensation settlement in California and the rest of the United States is $21,800.
Their study is also showing, “at the extreme ends of the scale, 12% of workers received less than $2,000, while only 8% of workers received between $60,000 and $100,000. The majority of workers, 55%, received between $2,000 and $20,000.”
To dive a little bit deeper, below is a look at the average workers’ compensation settlements by injury type and cause of injury according to Insurance Business Mag in California and the rest of the United States.
Average Workers’ Compensation Cost by Body Part
| Body Part(s) | Medical | Indemnity | Total Settlement |
| Head/CNS | $60,875 | $33,067 | $93,942 |
| Multiple Body Parts | $32,647 | $30,212 | $62,859 |
| Hip/Thigh/Pelvis | $36,553 | $23,205 | $59,758 |
| Leg | $38,049 | $21,699 | $59,748 |
| Neck | $30,404 | $28,987 | $59,391 |
| Arms/Shoulders | $26,088 | $23,028 | $49,116 |
| Lower Back | $17,486 | $20,480 | $37,966 |
| Upper Back | $17,799 | $18,955 | $36,754 |
| Knee | $18,239 | $16,639 | $24,932 |
| Face | $18,435 | $14,646 | $33,081 |
Source: Insurance Business Mag
(855) 997-2558
Or, complete our short online form
Average Workers’ Compensation Costs by Cause
| Cause of Injury | Medical | Indemnity | Total Settlement |
| Motor Vehicle | $47,500 | $37,811 | $85,311 |
| Burn | $36,477 | $17,696 | $54,173 |
| Slip/Fall | $27,225 | $21,350 | $48,575 |
| Caught | $26,188 | $18,400 | $44,588 |
| Struck by | $22,093 | $17,884 | $39,977 |
| Strain | $17,421 | $17,870 | $35,291 |
| Cumulative Injuries | $15,492 | $17,253 | $32,745 |
| Striking Against | $16,107 | $14,310 | $30,417 |
| Miscellaneous Cause | $12,557 | $12,938 | $25,495 |
| Cut/Punch/Scrape | $14,530 | $9,845 | $24,375 |
Source: Insurance Business Mag
Average Workers’ Compensation Cost by Nature of Injury
| Amputation |
$118,837 |
| Fracture, Crush or Dislocation |
$60,934 |
| Other Trauma |
$60,288 |
| Burn |
$48,671 |
| Infection or Inflammation |
$37,498 |
| Sprain or Strain |
$33,589 |
| Carpal Tunnel |
$33,477 |
| Lacerate, Puncture or Rupture |
$33,348 |
| Contusion or Concussion |
$33,151 |
| Occ. Disease or Cumulative Injury |
$16,696 |
Source: NSC
Even though the research shows averages for all of these injuries, each settlement an attorney sees is different from one another. One of the best ways to get a clearer estimate of your workers’ compensation settlement is to speak with a qualified attorney.
California Workers’ Compensation Calculator
Want to get an estimate of your work comp settlement? Fill out the questions below to get a settlement in about 90 seconds. Don’t let your medical bills and expenses pile up!
California Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits Chart
| Date of Injury | Payment for Burial | 1 Dependent ONLY | 2 Or More Dependents ONLY | 3 or more dependents ONLY | 1 dependent plus 1 or more partial dependents | 1 or more partial dependents |
| Injury on or after January 1, 2013 | $10,000 | $250,000 | $290,000 | $320,000 | one total dependent, that person will receive the full $250,000. Partial dependents will receive four times the amount of annual support up to a total of $290,000 | partial dependents will split an amount that’s eight times what they had received in annual support. Not to exceed $250,000 |
California Temporary Disability in 2024
Temporary disability in California refers to a type of workers’ compensation benefit provided to individuals who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses that temporarily prevent them from working.
During this period, eligible employees may receive financial support to partially compensate for lost wages. The benefit amount is generally two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum set by law.
The duration of temporary disability payments depends on the severity of the injury and the estimated time it takes to recover. Medical professionals evaluate the injury and determine when the worker can return to work or if their condition becomes permanent, leading to a transition to permanent disability benefits.
Starting from January 1, 2023, temporary disability payments in California are set at ⅔ of an employee’s weekly wages if their average pay falls between $364.30 and $2,428.72 per week. For workers whose average pay is below $364.29, the temporary disability payments will be $242.86 per week.
California Permanent Disability in 2024
If you experience 100% disability due to an accident, it is likely that your disability payments will amount to approximately ⅔ of your average weekly income. In the case of less than 100% disability, the weekly payment rate for permanent disability typically falls within the range of $160 to $290.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few questions our attorneys hear often:
How long does a workers comp case take to settle in California?
According to Bing.com, the average workers’ compensation case typically takes about 16 months to be resolved. During this process, a resolution may result in a settlement agreement or a hearing with a judge. Interestingly, under 20% of cases are resolved within the first six months, while 50% of all workers complete their claims between 13 and 24 months
Do all workers comp cases end in a settlement in California?
In California, every workers’ compensation case concludes with some form of settlement. The majority of cases are resolved through a voluntary agreement between the injured worker and an employer’s insurance company, which is generally rather straightforward. However, there are instances where cases are settled in a court setting.
Does surgery increase workers comp settlement in California?
In most cases, if you go through surgery due to a work injury, your workers’ comp settlement will generally increase.
How Much Do Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Charge in California?
California state law regulates the fees imposed by workers’ compensation lawyers, which are determined as a percentage of the benefits secured for the client.
Typically, clients in California are charged a standard rate of 15% of the total awarded benefits as workers’ comp attorney fees.
However, it is important to acknowledge that this percentage can vary based on the individual circumstances of the case and the agreement reached between the lawyer and the client.
How Can I Maximize My Workers’ Comp Settlement?
To potentially maximize your workers’ compensation settlement, take these steps. Act promptly by reporting your injury immediately. Seek prompt and appropriate medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, expenses, and any impact on your ability to work.
Consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can navigate the legal process on your behalf, assess the value of your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company.
Provide thorough and accurate information, and gather supporting evidence for your case. Remember, seeking personalized legal advice can be crucial for optimizing your settlement.
Get in Touch with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have questions about your work injury, we have answers. Give us a call today to get connected with some of the best workers’ compensation attorneys in California. We know these are troubling and confusing times, give us a call so we can help you start your recovery process.
