What to Expect in Your California Workers’ Comp Settlement Calculations: Understanding Benefit Determinations for Construction Injuries

If you’ve suffered a construction-related injury on the job, you may be wondering how much your California workers’ compensation settlement is worth. The system can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. At SoCal Workers Comp, we help injured construction workers understand their rights and maximize their settlements. So, allow us to break down how California workers’ comp settlement calculations work, what factors influence your payout, and how to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

First, let’s discuss the key elements that influence workers compensation settlement amounts in construction worker injury cases.

5 Key Elements of California Workers’ Comp Settlement Calculations for Construction Workers

California workers’ comp settlement calculations are based on several key factors:

1. Medical Treatment Costs
2. Temporary Disability Benefits
3. Permanent Disability Benefits
4. Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (if applicable)
5. Future Medical Care (in some cases)

Let’s explore each of these in detail.

Related Article: Demystifying Workers’ Comp: How Are Workers’ Comp Benefits Calculated in California?

1. Medical Treatment Coverage

Workers’ comp covers 100% of reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury. This includes:

• Doctor visits
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Medical equipment

If your claim is accepted, your employer’s insurance must pay for treatment that is reasonable and necessary to cure you from the effects of the work injury.

For Construction Workers: Some injuries (e.g., falls, back injuries, repetitive stress) may require long-term care, which can increase the value of your settlement.

Related Article: What Kind of Benefits Can I Expect if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Approved?

2. Temporary Disability (TD) Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working while recovering, you may receive temporary disability payments, which replace a portion of your lost wages.

• Payment Rate: 2/3 of your average weekly wage before taxes, up to California’s maximum weekly rate ($1,619.15 in 2024).
• Duration: Up to 104 weeks within 5 years from the injury date.

Example: If you earned $1,200/week, your TD rate would be $800/week.

Related Article: Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Process: A Guide When Your Claim is Accepted

3. Permanent Disability (PD) Benefits

If your injury leaves you with lasting limitations, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These are calculated based on:

• Your impairment rating (determined by a doctor)
• Your occupation (construction jobs often receive higher ratings due to physical demands)
• Your age at the time of the injury
  

PD payments can be received as:

• Weekly payments (based on your disability rating)
• A lump-sum settlement (if you agree to close your case)

Average Workers’ Comp Settlement CA: While amounts vary widely, construction injury settlements often depend on severity.

4. Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB)

If you can’t return to your old job due to your injury, you may qualify for a one-time voucher (up to $6,000) for retraining or education.

5. Future Medical Care

In some cases, you may negotiate ongoing medical coverage as part of your settlement, especially for chronic conditions like back injuries or joint damage.

How Construction Injuries Impact Settlement Value

Construction workers face higher risks of severe injuries, which can lead to larger settlements when conducting California workers’ comp settlement calculations. 

Common injuries include:

• Falls from heights (broken bones, spinal injuries)
• Equipment accidents (amputations, crush injuries)
• Repetitive stress injuries (shoulder, knee, back damage)
• Toxic exposure (lung conditions, chemical burns)

Because of the physical nature of construction work, insurers often lowball initial offers. Knowing how to calculate your true entitlement is crucial.

Related Article: How Do You Apply for Workers’ Compensation in California? A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Maximize California Workers’ Comp Settlement Calculations and Ensure a Fair Settlement.

To ensure you receive the best possible construction workers’ comp payout in California, there are 4 important steps you should take: 

1. Get a Doctor’s Report – A detailed medical evaluation determines your disability rating.
2. Track Lost Wages – Keep records of missed work and reduced earnings.
3. Don’t Accept the Low Ball Offer – Insurers often undervalue claims.
4. Consult a Workers’ Comp Attorney – Legal help can significantly increase your payout.

Related Article: Hurt on the Job? An Attorney from SoCal Workers Comp Can Help

Need Help with California Workers’ Comp Settlement Calculations to Get the Compensation You Deserve? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review. 

If you’re a construction worker dealing with a denied claim, delayed benefits, or a low settlement offer, we can help you understand the intricacies of California workers’ comp settlement calculations and obtain the best possible outcome.

Call us today for a free consultation or submit your case online.

At SoCal Workers Comp, we fight to ensure injured workers get every dollar they deserve. Don’t settle for less—let us review your claim for free. Contact us today. 

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