If you hurt your neck while working, you’re probably dealing with a lot—pain, stress, missed work, and medical bills. It’s a tough situation. The good news is that California workers’ comp laws may allow you to receive money to help with your recovery. This includes coverage for your medical care and a portion of your lost wages.
So, how much money can you expect for a neck injury at work? The answer depends on your injury, how serious it is, and other details of your case. But there are some averages that can help give you an idea.
How Much Are Workers’ Comp Neck Injury Settlements?
On average, workers who suffer neck injuries at work receive around $61,000 in settlements. But this amount can go up or down depending on the type of neck injury and how badly it affects your life.
Here are a few common types of neck injuries and the typical payout ranges:
- Neck sprains and strains: These are usually the least serious and might result in settlements between $3,000 and $60,000.
- Herniated discs and pinched nerves: These injuries can cause long-lasting problems and may settle for $100,000 to $300,000.
- Spondylosis (spinal arthritis): Also in the range of $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the damage.
Keep in mind, these are just averages. Your case may be worth more—or less—based on your exact injury, how much work you’ve missed, and how much care you’ll need in the future.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover in California?
In California, workers’ comp helps cover:
- Medical bills for treatment related to your injury
- A portion of your lost wages (usually about two-thirds of your income)
- Costs for rehabilitation or therapy
- Disability payments (temporary or permanent)
- Death benefits, in the case of fatal injuries
For example, in 2023, temporary total disability benefits ranged from $242.86 to $1,619.15 per week depending on how much money you made before the injury. These amounts can change year to year.
Some employers also offer disability leave with full pay, though this is not required by law. Always check with your HR department and talk to a workers’ comp lawyer to understand what you’re entitled to.
Common Neck Injuries at Work
Neck injuries can happen in all kinds of jobs—from warehouse work to office jobs. Some of the most common neck injuries include:
- Strains and sprains: These are often caused by lifting, reaching, or working in awkward positions.
- Herniated discs: A disc in your neck can slip or rupture from trauma, like a fall or sudden twist.
- Pinched nerves: These can happen when surrounding tissues press on a nerve.
- Whiplash: Caused by sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, often from a fall or accident.
- Fractures: A broken neck is rare but very serious, often needing surgery and long recovery.
- Stiff muscles or tendons: Sitting in one position too long or repeating the same motion can lead to this.
Even a “small” injury can limit your ability to move your head, drive, work, or sleep comfortably.
Why Your Neck Injury Could Be Worth More
Every neck injury is different. A minor strain may heal in a few weeks, but something like a herniated disc could require surgery or long-term care. Some workers even lose the ability to do their job permanently.
Here’s what can increase your settlement:
- Needing surgery or long-term physical therapy
- Being unable to return to your previous job
- Losing future earning potential
- Living with chronic pain
- Having a pre-existing condition made worse by the work injury
Insurance companies may try to downplay your injury or blame it on a past condition. That’s why it’s so important to document everything and get legal advice early.
What To Do Right After a Neck Injury at Work
If you injure your neck while on the job, follow these steps:
- Get medical help right away. Make sure to tell the doctor your injury happened at work.
- Report the injury to your employer within 30 days. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to workers’ comp.
- Keep records. Save all your medical bills, work notes, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Write everything down. Don’t rely on verbal reports—send written notice and keep a copy.
- Talk to a lawyer. The process can be confusing, and having a lawyer can help you get a better settlement.
Avoid posting about your injury or your case on social media. Insurance companies may use that against you.
Can Family Members Get Benefits if a Neck Injury Is Fatal?
Sadly, some neck injuries can lead to death—especially if they cause serious complications or occur alongside other injuries. In these tragic cases, family members may be eligible for death benefits.
In California, death benefits help replace the income the worker would have earned. They also include burial expenses. People who may qualify include:
- Spouses
- Children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren)
- Parents or grandparents
- Siblings
- Other family members who depended on the worker for financial support
If you lost a loved one due to a workplace neck injury, it’s important to talk with a lawyer right away to understand your rights and next steps.
What Affects How Much Money You Can Get?
There are several things that can change the value of your neck injury claim:
- How serious the injury is
- Whether it caused a permanent disability
- How much time you’ve missed from work
- Whether you needed surgery or long-term treatment
- If you have pre-existing conditions that were made worse
- If you can return to the same job—or any job
Also, if someone other than your employer caused the injury (like a contractor or equipment company), you may be able to file an additional personal injury claim. That can increase the total settlement.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Settle
Getting hurt on the job is scary. You may be worried about your health, your paycheck, and your future. That’s where we come in.
The Law Offices of Hinden & Breslavsky has helped injured workers in Los Angeles for over 50 years. Our attorneys know how to deal with workers’ comp insurance companies and make sure you don’t get pushed into a low settlement.
Before you accept any offer, give us a call at (323) 954-1800. We’ll take a look at your case for free and help you understand your rights. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Let’s fight for your full recovery—together.