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California Workers' Compensation

California Workers' Comp
Settlement Calculator

Estimates based on California-specific TD/PD rates, PDRS guidelines, and 2025 state benefit maximums.

🐻 California-specific formulas and benefit rates
$1,680Max weekly TD (2025)
66.7%Wage replacement
104 wksMax TD period
PDRSCA disability schedule
💰Your income before injury

California TD benefits equal 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,680/week in 2025.

🩹Injury details

California uses the PDRS (Permanent Disability Rating Schedule) to value injuries by body part and occupation.

CA limits TD to 104 weeks within 5 years
📋Permanent disability rating

California uses the PDRS to convert your WPI (Whole Person Impairment) rating into a PD percentage, then calculates weekly PD payments.

WPI / Impairment rating 15%
0%100%
California calls MMI "Permanent & Stationary" (P&S)
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Your California Estimate

CA Settlement Range Analysis

Based on California PDRS guidelines and 2025 TD/PD benefit rates.

Estimated California Settlement Range
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Conservative
–
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Full recovery
Midpoint estimate: —
Temporary Disability (TD)
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66.7% of AWW × weeks
Permanent Disability (PD)
—
CA PDRS weekly payments
Medical Expenses
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Past + estimated future
Weekly TD Rate
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Max $1,680/wk in CA (2025)
California-specific notes: CA uses the PDRS to convert your impairment rating into a PD percentage and weekly payment amount. Serious & Willful misconduct by your employer can increase your award by up to 50%. The Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher ($6,000) may also apply if you cannot return to your job.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. California workers' compensation involves complex PDRS calculations, occupational adjustments, and FEC modifiers that vary by case. This is not legal advice. Consult a California-licensed workers' comp attorney for a proper evaluation.
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CA attorneys work on contingency — typically 9–12% of your PD award by state law. Free consultations available statewide.

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How California Workers' Comp Settlements Work

California has one of the most comprehensive — and complex — workers' compensation systems in the United States. With over 18 million workers covered, California processes more workers' comp claims than any other state. Understanding how the California system differs from other states is critical to maximizing your settlement.

Temporary Disability (TD) in California

California TD benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a 2025 maximum of $1,680 per week and a minimum of $242 per week. TD benefits can continue for up to 104 weeks within a five-year period from the date of injury for most conditions, with extended periods available for certain severe injuries including severe burns, chronic lung disease, and others.

Permanent Disability (PD) in California

California's PD system uses the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS) to convert your physician's Whole Person Impairment (WPI) rating into a PD percentage using adjustment factors including your age, occupation, and the nature of the injury. PD payments range from $160 to $290 per week depending on your PD percentage, and higher PD ratings result in longer payment periods. PD ratings of 70% or higher are considered totally disabling.

Serious & Willful Misconduct

One unique feature of California workers' comp law is the Serious & Willful (S&W) claim. If your employer's serious and willful misconduct caused your injury — meaning they knew their actions were likely to cause serious injury and disregarded that risk — you may be entitled to up to 50% more in compensation on top of your regular workers' comp benefits. S&W claims are separate from the standard workers' comp claim and must be filed separately.

The SJDB Voucher

If your injury prevents you from returning to your regular job and your employer does not offer modified or alternative work, you may be entitled to a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher worth $6,000 for retraining and skill enhancement. This voucher can be used at state-approved schools and does not reduce your other workers' comp benefits.