If you were hurt at work in California, you’re probably wondering how much your workers’ comp settlement could be. Whether you slipped and fell or suffered a serious injury on the job, knowing what to expect in a settlement can help ease some of the stress you’re feeling.
Let’s break it all down in plain language. We’ll walk through average settlement amounts by body part, type of injury, and what caused the injury. We’ll also explain how disability benefits and attorney fees work in California workers’ comp cases.
How Much Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement in California?
The average workers’ comp settlement in California is around $21,800. But that’s just the average. Some people receive as little as $2,000, while others with more severe injuries can get $60,000 or more. Every case is different. Your payout depends on your injury, how long you’re out of work, whether you need surgery, and how your injury affects your life going forward.
Workers’ Comp Settlement by Body Part Injured
Different injuries lead to different settlement amounts. For example, head and brain injuries usually bring higher payouts than a sprained wrist. That’s because they often involve longer recovery times, more medical treatment, and lasting effects.
Here are some average totals based on body parts:
- Head and brain injuries: Nearly $94,000
- Leg injuries: Around $59,700
- Hip and pelvis injuries: About $59,700
- Lower back injuries: Close to $38,000
- Knee injuries: Roughly $25,000
- Face injuries: About $33,000
These numbers include both medical expenses and lost wage payments, also called indemnity.
Settlement Amounts by What Caused the Injury
The way you got hurt also plays a role in your settlement. For example, being hurt in a car crash while working might bring more compensation than a repetitive motion injury.
Here are some common causes and average totals:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Around $85,300
- Burns: Close to $54,200
- Slip and falls: About $48,600
- Getting caught in machinery: Around $44,600
- Strain or overuse injuries: Roughly $35,300
If your injury happened slowly over time, like from heavy lifting or typing, your case is still valid. These cumulative trauma injuries can still qualify for a fair settlement.
Injury Type and Average Settlements
In addition to where the injury occurred or how it happened, the type of injury also affects how much compensation you may receive.
Here are a few examples:
- Amputations: Over $118,000
- Broken bones and dislocations: Around $60,900
- Sprains and strains: Roughly $33,600
- Carpal tunnel: About $33,500
- Burns: Close to $48,700
- Concussions or contusions: About $33,100
Even injuries that seem small at first can result in high settlements if they lead to long-term pain, surgery, or permanent disability.
Temporary Disability Benefits in California (2025)
If your doctor says you can’t work while you heal, you may get temporary disability benefits. These payments are meant to replace part of your wages while you recover.
In 2025, temporary disability payments are two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a set maximum. If you make between $364 and $2,428 per week, you’ll receive two-thirds of your pay. If you earn less than $364, your weekly payment will likely be $242.86.
These benefits usually stop once your doctor says you’re well enough to return to work or your condition becomes permanent.
Permanent Disability Benefits in California (2025)
If your injury leaves you with a permanent health problem, you may qualify for permanent disability payments. These can be either partial or total, depending on how badly you were hurt.
If you’re found to be 100% permanently disabled, you’ll likely receive payments equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage for the rest of your life.
If you’re partially disabled, your payments will usually fall between $160 and $290 per week, depending on your disability rating. The higher the rating, the more weeks you can collect.
California Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits Chart
If a loved one died because of a work injury or illness, you may be eligible for death benefits. These include funeral expenses and support payments for dependents.
Here’s a simple breakdown for injuries that happened on or after January 1, 2013:
- Burial expenses: Up to $10,000
- 1 total dependent: $250,000
- 2 total dependents: $290,000
- 3 or more total dependents: $320,000
Partial dependents may also qualify, but the exact amount depends on how much financial support the worker gave before passing.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Workers’ Comp Case in California?
On average, a workers’ comp case in California takes about 16 months to settle. Some are quicker, especially if there’s no disagreement about the injury. But more complicated cases, or those that go to trial, can take longer.
Only 20% of claims are settled within six months. About half of all cases are resolved between 13 and 24 months.
Do All Workers’ Comp Cases End in a Settlement?
Most do. In California, almost every case ends in a settlement or award. A settlement usually happens when both sides agree on the benefits. If they can’t agree, a judge may decide.
Does Having Surgery Increase Your Settlement?
Yes. If you need surgery because of your work injury, it usually leads to a higher settlement. That’s because surgery often means more time off work, more medical bills, and sometimes long-term health issues.
How Much Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Charge in California?
You don’t pay your workers’ comp lawyer upfront. In California, attorney fees are usually around 15% of your settlement. This amount is approved by a judge and comes out of your settlement—not your pocket.
How to Get the Highest Settlement You Can
If you want the best outcome, here are a few simple things you can do:
- Tell your employer about your injury right away.
- Get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Keep copies of all medical records and receipts.
- Be honest about your symptoms and work limitations.
- Talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer who understands California law.
Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in how much money you get and how quickly your case moves.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
If you’re going through a work injury in California, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Law Offices of Hinden & Breslavsky have helped thousands of injured workers in Los Angeles and across the state. We know what you’re dealing with, and we’re here to help.
Call (323) 954-1800 today to speak with our team. You can ask questions, get advice, and find out what your case might be worth. There’s no cost to talk with us, and no fees unless we win for you.