Workers' Comp Settlement for a Shoulder Injury by State (2026)
How all 50 states and D.C. pay for a shoulder injury. 9 states pay a fixed schedule, from $157,338 in Missouri to $894,800 in Iowa for total loss at the top weekly rate. 5 states pay it from a whole-person impairment rating; for those we show the award for a 10% rating.
| State | How it is paid | Illustrative benefit | Amount basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 400 weeks | $894,800 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| South Carolina | 300 weeks | $356,982 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Delaware | 250 weeks | $240,680 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New Mexico | 200 weeks | $229,332 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Wisconsin | 500 weeks | $227,000 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Kansas | 225 weeks | $203,625 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Idaho | 300 weeks | $187,275 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Utah | 187 weeks | $171,479 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Missouri | 232 weeks | $157,338 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Vermont | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $60,885 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Alaska | whole-person % × $273,000 | $27,300 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | $27,600 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Florida | whole-person %, 2–6 weeks per point | $20,370 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Alabama | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Arizona | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Arkansas | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| California | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Colorado | 208 weeks | — | No comparable amount |
| Connecticut | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| District of Columbia | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Georgia | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Hawaii | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Illinois | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Indiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Louisiana | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Maine | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Maryland | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Massachusetts | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Michigan | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Mississippi | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Montana | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Nebraska | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Nevada | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| New Hampshire | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| New Jersey | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| New York | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| North Carolina | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| North Dakota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Ohio | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Oklahoma | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Oregon | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Rhode Island | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| South Dakota | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Virginia | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Washington | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| West Virginia | depends on how it is rated | — | No comparable amount |
| Wyoming | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
Max award is for total loss on a schedule, or for a 10% rating where the state uses whole-person ratings, at the top weekly rate. "Whole-person %" means the award depends on your doctor's whole-person impairment rating. "Wage loss" means there is no rating-based award and benefits depend on lost earnings. Open each state for the full rule and a calculator.
Shoulder injuries: identify the rating basis
For a rotator-cuff tear, fracture or other shoulder condition, request the final report on range of motion, strength and work restrictions. Check whether the state treats this claim as an arm loss, a whole-person impairment or another category. A shoulder percentage and an arm percentage are not automatically interchangeable.
What you need for a useful estimate
- Identify the state and injury date.
- Check whether the rule uses a body part, whole-person rating or lost earnings.
- Use the exact rating unit in the medical report and the accepted wage.
- Open the state guide to separate permanent benefits, temporary disability and settlement terms.
Total-loss amounts and 10% rating amounts are different scenarios, not comparable settlement averages. Table order does not show which state pays more for the same claim. Applicable law depends on the employment and injury circumstances; this comparison does not mean you can freely choose a state.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.