How much is a back injury worth in District of Columbia workers' comp?
There is no fixed dollar amount for a back injury in District of Columbia. Non-schedule; paid at 66 2/3% of wage loss for up to 500 weeks. Below: the exact rule, the 2026 weekly maximum ($1,852.07) and what to ask for before you accept an offer.
How a back injury is paid in District of Columbia
Non-schedule; paid at 66 2/3% of wage loss for up to 500 weeks.
General rule for permanent injuries in District of Columbia: 66 2/3% of the wage-loss difference, capped at 500 weeks (extension of up to 167 weeks if whole-body impairment exceeds 20%).
What is different in District of Columbia
Schedule ratings may use the latest AMA Guides together with five factors: pain, weakness, atrophy, loss of endurance and loss of function. After 500 weeks of partial disability, a worker can petition for up to 167 more weeks if an independent examiner finds whole-body impairment above 20%.
Back injuries: information needed to value the claim
Separate the diagnosis (for example, a strain, disc injury or surgery) from the permanent rating. Ask for the medical report identifying the spinal region, any nerve involvement, lasting work restrictions and whether maximum medical improvement has been reached. A diagnosis or surgery alone is not a dollar amount.
How to check an offer when there is no fixed figure
This page cannot reliably estimate a permanent award from the injury name and wage alone. The state rule above identifies whether lost earnings, a special rating method or another category applies. To check an offer, request the calculation used, injury date, accepted wage, applicable rating and benefits still outstanding. The weekly calculator below estimates only temporary total disability under its assumptions; it does not value the settlement. See the state benefit overview.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The statutory benefit described here and a settlement value are different figures. Request an itemized proposal identifying the benefits included, amounts already paid, deductions, future medical treatment and rights being resolved. Which benefits can be settled and what approval is required depend on state rules. This page does not calculate future medical costs or predict a negotiated outcome.
While you recover: temporary disability in District of Columbia
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,852.07 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 25% of the maximum (or actual AWW if lower); 2025 value $452.17, 2026 dollar figure not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How is a back injury paid in District of Columbia workers' comp?
Non-schedule; paid at 66 2/3% of wage loss for up to 500 weeks.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in District of Columbia in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,852.07 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
D.C. Code §§32-1505, 32-1508. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in District of Columbia
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: D.C. Code §§32-1505, 32-1508; D.C. Code §§32-1505(b), 32-1508(3)
- Office of Workers' Compensation, D.C. Department of Employment Services (official site)
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1505
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1508
- does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/publication/attachments/Maximum-Minimum%20Co
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the District of Columbia workers' compensation agency.
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.