What is an IME and do I need one?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is an evaluation by a doctor chosen by the insurance company to assess your injury. Their rating often comes in lower than your treating physician's. You have the right to challenge this rating with your own medical evidence, which is why attorney representation is critical.

Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator 2026

Q: How is a workers' comp settlement calculated?

Workers' comp settlements are based on your weekly wage, the severity of your injury (expressed as a permanent impairment rating), future medical costs, and your state's specific multipliers. Most states use a formula: Average Weekly Wage × Impairment % × State multiplier (typically 300–500 weeks).

Q: How long does a workers' comp case take to settle?

Minor injuries with full recovery typically settle in 3–6 months. Moderate injuries requiring surgery or extended treatment average 1–2 years. Serious or permanent injuries can take 2–5 years to fully resolve, especially if disputed by the insurance carrier.

Q: Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Almost never. Insurance companies typically offer 40–60% of actual case value in their first offer. Before accepting, get an independent medical exam to confirm your impairment rating and consult a workers' comp attorney — most work on contingency and charge nothing upfront.

Calculate Your Settlement Estimate

Fill in each section — your estimate updates instantly.

Injury & Wages

Medical & Lost Time

Case Details

Your Wages

Gross weekly wage at time of injury Before taxes

Your age at time of injury

Years worked at company

Injury Severity

Injury type / severity

Body part injured

Estimated permanent impairment rating From your doctor, if known

Medical Costs

Total medical bills to date ER, surgery, PT, etc.

Estimated future medical costs Ongoing care, injections, future surgery

Lost Time & Benefits

Weeks missed from work so far

Temporary disability benefits received

Expected additional weeks unable to work

Case Factors

Claim status

Do you have an attorney?

Employer size

State (for benefit calculation)

Estimated settlement range

Conservative estimate

$42,000

Lower-end settlement

Optimistic estimate

$87,000

With attorney representation

Medical (past + future)

$65,000

Lost wages (TTD)

$14,400

Impairment (PPD)

$28,800

Attorney uplift est.

+$22,000

Est. weekly TTD benefit

Typically 2/3 of your weekly wage

$800/wk

Est. attorney fee (if contingency)

Typically 15–20% of settlement

$13,050

Free · No obligation · Workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no upfront cost

Protect your claim

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See an authorized doctor. Using a doctor outside your employer's approved network may jeopardize your claim. Follow your state's rules carefully.

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Document everything. Keep records of every medical visit, out-of-pocket expense, and missed day of work. Gaps in documentation reduce settlements.

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Request an IME 2nd opinion. If the insurance company's doctor rates you lower, you can challenge it with your own treating physician's opinion.

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Hire an attorney early. Studies show represented workers receive 2–3× higher settlements on average. Most attorneys take no fee unless you win.

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Don't post on social media. Insurance investigators monitor social media for evidence to minimize your claim. Limit all posts during your case.

How Workers' Comp Settlements Are Calculated

Your settlement is based on three main components: temporary disability (TTD) benefits paid while you can't work, permanent partial disability (PPD) based on your impairment rating, and medical cost coverage.

Typical PPD Settlement Formula

Component	Typical Value
Weekly wage × 2/3	TTD rate
Impairment % × state weeks	PPD base
PPD base × TTD rate	PPD payout
Past + future medical	Added separately

Most states cap the number of benefit weeks (typically 300–500). Higher impairment ratings and higher wages produce significantly larger settlements.

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type (2026)

These are national averages. State laws, employer size, and attorney representation all significantly affect final outcomes.

Injury Type	Avg. Settlement
Soft tissue / sprains	$8K – $30K
Back injury (no surgery)	$25K – $85K
Back surgery / disc	$60K – $150K
Knee injury / surgery	$30K – $80K
Shoulder surgery	$35K – $90K
Traumatic brain injury	$100K – $400K+
Spinal cord / paralysis	$500K – $1M+

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a workers' comp settlement calculated?

Workers' comp settlements combine temporary disability benefits (typically 2/3 of your weekly wage while you can't work), permanent partial disability payments based on your impairment rating and state's formula, and medical cost coverage. Most states multiply your impairment percentage by a set number of weeks and your TTD rate to determine the PPD payout.

Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Almost never. Insurance companies' first offers are typically 40–60% of actual case value. Before accepting anything, ensure your impairment rating is accurate, all future medical costs are accounted for, and you've consulted with a workers' comp attorney. Most attorneys work on contingency — meaning no upfront cost to you.

How long does a workers' comp case take to settle?

Minor injuries with full recovery often settle in 3–6 months. Moderate injuries requiring surgery average 1–2 years. Serious or permanent injuries can take 2–5 years, especially when disputed. Having an attorney typically speeds up the process and results in higher settlements.

What is an IME and why does it matter?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is ordered by the insurance company and performed by a doctor of their choosing. IME doctors often assign lower impairment ratings than treating physicians, which reduces your settlement. You have the right to challenge an IME rating using your own medical records and physician opinions.

Do I need an attorney for workers' comp?

You're not required to have one, but studies consistently show represented workers receive 2–3× higher settlements. Workers' comp attorneys typically work on contingency (15–20% of settlement) with no upfront fees, so there's minimal risk in at least consulting one — especially for moderate to serious injuries.

Can I be fired for filing a workers' comp claim?

It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing a workers' comp claim in all 50 states. However, retaliation does happen. If you believe you were fired or demoted because of your claim, document everything and consult an employment attorney immediately — you may have additional legal remedies beyond your workers' comp case.

Workers' Comp Settlement Guides

Straight answers to the questions injured workers ask most — organized by injury and by situation. Each guide walks through how the settlement or benefit is typically figured, with the calculator a click away.

By injury & surgery

Benefits, pay & your rights

Workers' Comp Settlements by State

Benefits and deadlines are set state by state — the weekly maximum, the filing deadline, and even who picks your doctor all change depending on where you were injured. Start with your state: