How long do most workers' comp settlements take?

Asked by: Elwyn Carroll  |  Last update: September 17, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

Workers' compensation cases can sometimes be resolved swiftly, within a matter of weeks or months, but more often, they take years to settle. On average, it takes about 16 months to reach a settlement in a workers' compensation case, which could involve a court hearing or a settlement agreement.

What is a good workers comp settlement?

Several factors play a role, and many types of injuries and illnesses can support these claims. Most workers get between $2,000 and $40,000 dollars for their claim. The average amount for a workers' compensation settlement is about $20,000.

How long does it take to get a settlement check after you settle?

How Long to Receive the Check? If you're dealing with an insurance company, as with most personal injury plaintiffs, the process of cutting the check is typically pretty quick. Once the settlement is finalized and signed, insurance companies usually send a check within a month.

Which body part has the highest value in a workers' compensation claim?

The most costly lost-time workers' compensation claims by part of body are for those involving the head or central nervous system.

How long do most workers comp cases take?

The average workers' compensation case will take about 16 months to be resolved. A resolution may result in a settlement agreement or a hearing with a judge. Under 20% of cases will be resolved within the first six months. 50% of all workers finished their claims in between 13 and 24 months.

How Long Will My Workers Comp Case Take? How Long To Settle?

29 related questions found

How hard is it to win a workers compensation case?

The odds of winning a workers' comp case are actually quite high. Roughly 50-90% of workers' comp claims get approved, but your chances of approval vary depending on which state you live in.

How do I track my workers' comp settlement check?

If you haven't received your workers' comp check, the first step is to contact your employer's HR department or the workers' compensation insurance carrier to inquire about the status of your payment. Provide them with your claim details and ask if there are any delays or issues with processing your benefits.

What injuries pay the most?

The highest-paying car accident injuries often involve severe conditions like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, leading to substantial medical bills and significant pain and suffering damages.

What is the most common workers' comp claim?

Common Causes of Workers' Compensation Claims
  • Strains and Sprains. Strains and sprains are by far the most common on-the-job injury for workers. ...
  • Cuts and Punctures. ...
  • Severe Cuts and Lacerations. ...
  • Overuse or Repetitive Stress Injuries, Including Back Injuries. ...
  • Fractures.

What is a lump sum payment for a shoulder injury?

A lump sum payment is a one-time settlement that an injured employee may receive from their employer or their employer's insurance company for a work-related shoulder injury. This payment is meant to cover all the medical expenses, lost wages, and future damages that the employee may incur as a result of the injury.

What is the longest a settlement can take?

What is the longest a settlement can take? The duration of a personal injury settlement can vary dramatically, with complex cases potentially taking several years to resolve, though there's technically no absolute maximum time limit beyond the statute of limitations.

How long after a demand letter does a settlement take?

No uniform timeframe exists between sending the demand letter and arriving at a settlement. In addition to the insurance company's review, there will be negotiations between the insurance company and your attorney, and those can take a long time. You can count on the process taking more than two months.

What is the usual result of a settlement?

What Is the Usual Result of a Settlement? Most personal injury cases settle out of court. This means both parties agree on a compensation amount without going to trial.

Do you get 100% pay on workers comp?

Typically, the workers' comp system in most states offers 66% of your wages. Depending on the state, you may receive your salary benefits weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month. Do your research to find out if your workers' compensation coverage will also include health care benefits.

What is a good settlement offer?

A reasonable settlement offer is one that includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. While it varies from case to case, an experienced personal injury lawyers can help you find a reasonable amount for your case.

What won't workers' comp lawyers tell you?

Workers' comp lawyers might not always tell you that you can file a claim on your own without them. They also might not mention that they get paid even if you lose your case. It could take a long time to get compensation, and they might only take cases they think they can win easily.

What is a fair workers comp settlement?

The compensation rate is typically equal to 2/3 (66.67%) of your weekly wages during the injured period. However, each case is unique and will vary based on the severity of injuries (such as those that require surgery), wages, and other factors. Contents. Table of Contents. Workers' Comp Settlement Examples.

What is the highest paid workers' comp settlement?

1. $13.2 million workers comp settlement for ironworker struck by a car (California) Wanting a better life for his family, 30-year-old San Diego resident Rafael Pineda agreed to relocate more than 200 miles away from his wife and three kids to work as an ironworker for an industrial project in Long Beach.

Why did my workers' comp check decrease?

However, a common question arises when an injured worker's payments are suddenly reduced. The reason the payment amount changes is usually because the doctor has said that the injured worker's condition has changed.

How much money should I ask for in a settlement?

Ask for more than what you think you'll get

There's no precise formula, but it's generally recommended that personal injury plaintiffs ask for about 75% to 100% more than what they hope to receive. In other words, if you think your lawsuit might be worth $10,000, ask for $17,500 to $20,000.

What is the hardest injury to treat?

Serious injuries that are long-term or permanent in nature are considered “catastrophic injuries,” and they are the most difficult to recover fully from. Examples of catastrophic injuries include, but are not limited to, the following: Traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord injuries.

How much can you get out of pain and suffering?

The Multiplier method adds up all incurred costs like medical bills, lost wages, etc. along with inevitable future costs. It then takes that total and multiplies it 1.5 to 5 times that amount depending on the severity of the pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

How do I cash a workers comp settlement check?

There are several steps that must be completed first:
  1. Signing a Release Form. ...
  2. Issuing the Settlement Check. ...
  3. Your Attorney Deposits the Settlement Check. ...
  4. Paying Your Debts. ...
  5. Cash a Settlement Check at Your Bank. ...
  6. Go to the Issuing Bank. ...
  7. Use a Check Cashing Store. ...
  8. Use Convenience Stores for the Check Cashing Process.

What to do when you receive a settlement check?

Here's what we usually tell our clients when a settlement agreement resolves their personal injury claim.
  1. Start With Taxes. ...
  2. Get Solid Advice. ...
  3. Wait Before Spending. ...
  4. Pay Your Lawyer. ...
  5. Create a Plan. ...
  6. Pay Down Debts. ...
  7. College Funds. ...
  8. Buy Your Home.