Workers' compensation settlements work differently from injury lawsuits — they're typically no-fault, but pain and suffering usually isn't recoverable in the same way. This calculator estimates a settlement range based on medical costs, lost wages, and disability severity.
This tool uses the multiplier method: (medical bills + lost wages) × a pain-and-suffering multiplier based on injury severity (1.5x for minor, 3x for moderate, 5x for severe), minus any reduction for your percentage of fault. It's the same starting-point approach insurance adjusters commonly use in negotiations — not a guaranteed outcome.
If you select a state, this tool applies that state's actual comparative/contributory negligence rule and, where researched, its noneconomic-damages cap for this claim type — see the methodology page for exactly which states and rules are currently covered. If your state's rule bars recovery at your entered fault percentage, this tool shows an explanation instead of a dollar amount — that percentage is your own estimate, not a legal finding, and several of these rules have real exceptions.
In most states, workers' comp is the exclusive remedy against your employer, meaning you generally can't also sue them for negligence. Exceptions exist for intentional harm or third-party liability (e.g., a defective machine made by another company).
Generally no. Workers' comp covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, plus disability payments, but not pain and suffering the way a personal injury lawsuit would.
It's typically based on your average weekly wage, the state's compensation rate (often around two-thirds of wages), and your disability rating (percentage of impairment) as determined by a medical evaluation.