Were You Injured at Work?

Workers compensation benefits can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Learn what you're entitled to in your state.

Estimate Your BenefitsFind Your State

How Workers Compensation Works

1

Report Your Injury

Notify your employer immediately after a workplace injury. Most states require written notice within days or weeks of the incident. Document everything.

2

File Your Claim

Your employer files the claim with their insurance carrier. You may also need to file with your state's workers compensation board. Filing deadlines vary by state.

3

Receive Benefits

Approved claims provide medical care, wage replacement (typically 66⅔% of your wages), and rehabilitation services. Permanent injuries may receive additional benefits.

Average Workers Comp Benefits

Benefit amounts vary by state, injury severity, and your average weekly wage. Here are typical ranges.

Avg Weekly Benefit

$600–$1,200

66⅔% of wages

Medical Coverage

100%

All related treatment

Avg Settlement

$20K–$60K

Varies by injury

Filing Deadline

1–3 Years

Depends on state

Am I Eligible for Workers Comp?

Most employees are covered. Check these basic eligibility requirements:

  • ✓You are an employee (not an independent contractor)
  • ✓You were injured while performing work duties
  • ✓Your employer carries workers compensation insurance
  • ✓You reported the injury within the required timeframe
  • ✓You are filing within your state's statute of limitations

Even if you're unsure about your eligibility, it costs nothing to file a claim. Many workers who think they don't qualify are actually covered.

Workers Comp Laws by State

Every state has different benefit amounts, filing deadlines, and rules. Find yours below.

AL — AlabamaAK — AlaskaAZ — ArizonaAR — ArkansasCA — CaliforniaCO — ColoradoCT — ConnecticutDE — DelawareFL — FloridaGA — GeorgiaHI — HawaiiID — IdahoIL — IllinoisIN — IndianaIA — IowaKS — KansasKY — KentuckyLA — LouisianaME — MaineMD — MarylandMA — MassachusettsMI — MichiganMN — MinnesotaMS — MississippiMO — MissouriMT — MontanaNE — NebraskaNV — NevadaNH — New HampshireNJ — New JerseyNM — New MexicoNY — New YorkNC — North CarolinaND — North DakotaOH — OhioOK — OklahomaOR — OregonPA — PennsylvaniaRI — Rhode IslandSC — South CarolinaSD — South DakotaTN — TennesseeTX — TexasUT — UtahVT — VermontVA — VirginiaWA — WashingtonWV — West VirginiaWI — WisconsinWY — Wyoming

Common Workplace Injuries

Back Injuries

Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, ranging from muscle strains to herniated discs and spinal cord damage. They frequently result from heavy lifting, repetitive bending, falls, or prolonged sitting in poorly designed workstations. Back injuries account for a significant portion of all workers compensation claims and often lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.

Avg Settlement: $20,000 – $80,000

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) develop gradually from repeated motions, sustained awkward postures, or overuse of specific muscle groups. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and trigger finger. These injuries are prevalent in office work, manufacturing, assembly lines, and any job requiring repetitive hand, wrist, or arm movements.

Avg Settlement: $15,000 – $60,000

Machinery Accidents

Machinery accidents include injuries caused by contact with industrial equipment, power tools, conveyor belts, presses, saws, and other mechanical devices. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, and even death. Manufacturing, agriculture, and construction industries see the highest rates of machinery-related injuries.

Avg Settlement: $30,000 – $150,000

Slip, Trip & Fall Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries across nearly all industries. They include slips on wet or uneven surfaces, trips over obstacles or debris, and falls from heights such as ladders, scaffolding, or roofs. Fall injuries range from minor sprains to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatal injuries, particularly in construction and warehouse work.

Avg Settlement: $25,000 – $100,000

Chemical Exposure Injuries

Chemical exposure injuries result from contact with toxic substances, fumes, gases, solvents, cleaning agents, pesticides, and industrial chemicals in the workplace. These exposures can cause immediate acute injuries such as burns and respiratory distress, or chronic conditions that develop over months or years of exposure, including respiratory diseases, organ damage, and certain cancers.

Avg Settlement: $25,000 – $120,000

Construction Injuries

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, with workers facing hazards from the OSHA 'Fatal Four': falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Construction injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations. The physically demanding nature of the work also contributes to overexertion injuries.

Avg Settlement: $30,000 – $120,000

Office & Workplace Injuries

Office injuries may seem minor compared to industrial accidents, but they account for a significant number of workers compensation claims. Common office injuries include repetitive strain from computer use, slips and falls, ergonomic injuries from poor workstation setup, injuries from lifting or moving office equipment, and stress-related conditions. Remote workers may also file claims for injuries that occur in their home office.

Avg Settlement: $12,000 – $45,000

Don't Leave Money on the Table

Many injured workers receive less than they're entitled to — or don't file at all. Use our free tools to understand your rights.

Calculate Your BenefitsLearn How to File