Free California Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator (2026)

Use our free California workers' comp settlement calculator to estimate your claim value based on 2026 permanent disability rates. Enter your PD rating, weekly wage, age, and occupation group to get an instant estimate of your total settlement range — including permanent disability (PD) benefits, temporary disability (TD), and future medical care value.

California's 2026 temporary disability rates range from a minimum of $265/week to a maximum of $1,764/week. Your TD rate is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to these caps. Permanent disability benefits are calculated separately based on your adjusted PD rating under the 2026 schedule. To understand how your PD rating is determined, see our guide on how permanent disability ratings work.

How This Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator Works

This free calculator estimates your California workers' compensation settlement value using the 2026 permanent disability rate schedule. It factors in your weekly wage, injury type, age, occupation group, and disability rating to produce an estimated total settlement range.

The calculation follows the same methodology used by California workers' comp judges and attorneys:

Settlement Components

Permanent Disability Based on your adjusted PD rating under Labor Code §4660 -- the primary driver of settlement value
Temporary Disability Two-thirds of your average weekly wage, capped at $265-$1,764/week in 2026
Future Medical Care Estimated cost of ongoing treatment, included in Compromise & Release settlements

Understanding Your Disability Rating

The disability rating slider in the calculator represents your permanent disability percentage -- the most critical number in your case. This percentage is determined by your evaluating physician (QME or AME) using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, then adjusted for your age and occupation.

If you don't know your PD rating yet, here are typical ranges by injury type:

Injury Type	Typical PD Range	Settlement Guide
Back / Spine	5-55%	Back Settlements
Knee	8-40%	Knee Settlements
Shoulder	8-35%	Shoulder Settlements
Head / TBI	10-70%	Head Injury Guide
Carpal Tunnel	5-40%	Carpal Tunnel Settlements
Neck	5-60%	Neck Settlements
Eye	3-85%	Eye Settlements
Amputation	10-75%	Amputation Settlements

Why a Calculator Can't Replace an Attorney

This tool gives you a useful estimate, but several factors that significantly affect settlement value cannot be captured by any calculator:

Apportionment -- Under Labor Code §4663, the insurer may argue that part of your disability is pre-existing, reducing your settlement
Future medical care value -- In a Compromise & Release settlement, the buyout of future medical care can add $20,000 to $200,000+ to the total
Multiple body parts -- If you injured more than one body part, the combined rating uses the Combined Values Chart, which can substantially increase settlement value
Negotiation -- An experienced attorney typically negotiates settlements 30-50% higher than initial insurance offers

Want an Exact Settlement Valuation?

Our attorneys will review your specific case -- your medical records, PD rating, treatment history, and employment details -- and give you an honest assessment of what your settlement should be worth. Free consultation, no obligation.

Get Free Case Review Call (888) 373-0533

Workers' Comp Calculator FAQ

How accurate is this workers' comp settlement calculator?

This calculator provides a reasonable estimate based on 2026 California permanent disability rates, your weekly wage, injury type, age, and occupation group. However, every case is different. Factors like apportionment, future medical needs, and whether you settle via C&R or Stipulations can significantly change the final number. Use this as a starting point, then consult with an attorney for an exact valuation.

What is included in a workers' comp settlement in California?

A California workers' comp settlement typically includes permanent disability (PD) benefits, temporary disability (TD) benefits already paid, future medical care costs (in a C&R settlement), and the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher of $6,000. The total value depends on your PD rating, which is calculated using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.

How is the permanent disability rate calculated?

Your PD rate starts with a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) percentage assigned by your evaluating physician using the AMA Guides, 5th Edition. This is then adjusted for your age, occupation, and future earning capacity under Labor Code 4660. The final adjusted PD percentage determines both your weekly benefit rate and the number of weeks you receive benefits.

What are the 2026 temporary disability rates in California?

In 2026, California temporary disability benefits range from a minimum of $264.61 per week to a maximum of $1,764.11 per week. Your actual TD rate is two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, subject to these minimum and maximum caps.

Should I settle my workers' comp case or go to trial?

Most California workers' comp cases settle without going to trial. The advantage of settling is certainty and speed -- you know exactly what you will receive and when. Going to trial (a hearing before the WCAB) involves uncertainty but may be worthwhile if the insurance company's offer is significantly below your case's value. An attorney can advise whether a settlement offer is fair or whether you should proceed to hearing.

Legal Disclaimer: This calculator provides general estimates only. Settlement values vary based on individual circumstances and cannot be guaranteed. The calculator uses simplified assumptions and may not account for all factors that affect your case. Consult with a workers' compensation attorney for an accurate evaluation.