California workers comp settlement chart
California's Schedule of Losses sets the maximum weeks of permanent partial disability for each body part. Weekly benefit is 66.67% of average weekly wage, capped at $1,659/week.
Schedule of Losses
| Body part | PPD weeks | Max dollars | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Neck | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Shoulder | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Knee | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Hand | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Arm | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Leg | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Foot | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Eye | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Hearing loss (one ear) | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Hearing loss (both ears) | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| Thumb | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| index_finger | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| middle_finger | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| ring_finger | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 | |
| little_finger | - | CA Labor Code §4660, §4658 |
California does not use a fixed schedule of losses for permanent partial disability. Instead, permanent disability is determined by applying the AMA Guides (5th Edition) to calculate whole person impairment, which is then adjusted for occupation, age, and diminished future earning capacity per Labor Code §4660, and converted to a dollar amount per Labor Code §4658. Attorney fees are subject to approval by the WCAB and do not have a fixed statutory percentage cap.
Estimate a California settlement
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Pick body part, state, and your average weekly wage. We compute scheduled-loss benefits.
Estimated PPD settlement (scheduled-loss)
Discretionary
This state uses physician impairment rating (AMA Guides) instead of a fixed body-part schedule. Consult a workers comp lawyer in your state for a detailed estimate.
Estimate only. Actual settlements reflect impairment rating, future medical, attorney fees, and Compromise & Release negotiations. Not legal advice.
FAQs
What is the maximum back injury workers comp settlement in California?
California's Schedule of Losses uses physician impairment rating (AMA Guides) rather than a fixed back-injury schedule.
What's the lawyer's fee cap on workers comp cases in California?
California does not set a flat fee cap; fees must be approved by the Workers Compensation Commission.
Are settlement amounts in California taxable?
No. Workers compensation benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax under IRC §104(a)(1).