Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Shoulder Surgery

The average workers’ comp settlement for shoulder surgery is $56,946 with most settlements ranging between $5,000 and $50,000. Key factors that influence settlement amounts are the injury severity, degree of permanent impairment, average weekly wage, and medical expenses. This data is based on workers’ compensation cases that include a shoulder injury claim recorded by Thomson Reuters over the last five years (between 2019 and 2024).

The median settlement amount is the best representation of typical settlement amount for workers’ comp settlement for shoulder surgery because it’s a measure of the central point where half of all settlements are higher and half are lower. Because of this, it avoids distortion from very high or low settlements that often skew average calculation. As a result, this provides a more accurate representation of what claimants might expect following a shoulder injury.

It should be noted that the average workers’ comp settlement and associated data is purely informational and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed settlement amount for your claim. Each case is unique, and there are many factors that can influence settlement value.

Workers’ Comp Shoulder Injury Settlement Examples

• $8.6K settlement: An employee injured their left shoulder while on the job. The settlement indicated that the individual suffered a complete rotator cuff tear and underwent surgery. The individual reached maximum medical improvement and was assigned a permanent partial impairment rating of 5% to the left upper extremity, which equated to a 3% rating to the body as a whole. They were released to return to work with no restrictions.
• $15K settlement: An individual filed a worker’s compensation action against their employer, alleging that they injured their left shoulder while lifting at a press and later injured their right shoulder while lifting on another press. The individual stated that the injuries would require surgery. The settlement left open future medical treatment for the individual’s right and left shoulders. The counterclaim related to wage overpayment was dismissed with prejudice as part of the settlement.
• $30K settlement: An employee claimed to have suffered a permanent disability and was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, which required surgery. The individual reached maximum medical improvement and was given a permanent lifting restriction of 25 pounds overhead. They received a 22% impairment rating to the right upper extremity, corresponding to a 13% impairment rating to the body as a whole. The employee’s average weekly wage at the time of injury was approximately $750.
• $60K settlement: An individual filed a worker’s comp claim, alleging that they tripped and fell due to fatigue mats covering a pipe, resulting in a broken femur and shoulder, both of which required surgery. The parties stated in the settlement that the individual reached maximum medical improvement and was given an impairment rating of 10% to the body as a whole. The individual’s average weekly wage was $219.20. The settlement also included funding for a Medicare set-aside account, with an initial seed amount and annual payments for nine years.
• $100K settlement: An employee filed for workers’ comp benefits following two separate accidents that resulted in multiple injuries. The first accident caused injuries to the lower back and right hand, while the second incident resulted in injuries to the neck, left shoulder, and left arm. The individual’s injuries required multiple surgeries, including operations on the right hand, left elbow, and cervical spine. The individual reached maximum medical improvement for the right hand, left arm, and cervical spine, with impairment ratings of 10% for the right thumb, 6% for the body as a whole for the left arm, and 12% for the body as a whole for the cervical spine. The average weekly wage at the time of the accidents was approximately $1,650. The settlement provided that future medical expenses would remain open and was subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court.
• $125K settlement: An employee sustained while working as a forklift operator. The individual claimed that right shoulder was injured when they slipped while exiting a forklift, catching their hand between the steering wheel and the forklift seat, which jerked the shoulder. The individual underwent four shoulder surgeries and was placed at maximum medical improvement (MMI) with permanent restrictions of light duty work. Due to these restrictions, the individual began overcompensating with their left hand, resulting in a TFCC tear. The individual underwent surgery to repair the tear and another surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve in the wrist, eventually being placed at MMI for the left wrist with no permanent restrictions.
• $175K settlement: An individual filed a worker’s compensation claim, alleging that they injured their neck and left shoulder while working for their employer. The individual claimed to have suffered a permanent disability. The employer admitted that the individual was injured on the job by accident but disputed the extent of the alleged disability. The individual’s average weekly wage at the time of injury was $920. One of the treating physicians placed the individual at maximum medical improvement and assigned a 10% permanent partial impairment to the body as a whole.
• $220K settlement: An individual working on a tractor/trailer for their employer suffered injuries to the left shoulder, lower back, and neck after a ladder fell due to a rung failure. The individual underwent surgeries on the shoulder, back, and neck and developed an infection from the first back surgery. The individual claimed to have a temporary total disability expected to convert into a permanent total disability, resulting in a 100% loss of earning capacity. After surgery, the individual’s neck symptoms improved, and no further treatment for the neck was requested. The individual reached maximum medical improvement for the left shoulder injury and returned to full duty work without restrictions. The individual also reached maximum medical improvement for the lower back injury and was released to return to work with permanent sedentary restrictions and was later restricted from driving due to the back injury. The agreed weekly compensation rate for temporary total disability benefits was $530.

Top Factors That Affect Shoulder Injury Settlement Value

1. Degree of injuries: Generally, the more severe the injuries, the higher the settlement value. Severe shoulder injuries may include complete rotator cuff tears or fractures, which can often result in extensive treatment and recovery time.

2. Degree of permanent impairment: Permanent impairment ratings assess the long-term impact of the injury on the individual’s ability to perform work. A higher impairment rating leads to a higher settlement.

3. Average weekly wage (AWW): Workers’ comp settlements often factor the injured worker’s average weekly wage before the injury. Generally, higher wages result in higher settlements.

4. Medical expenses: The total cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and medications, are factored into the final settlement amount. Cases with higher medical treatment costs generally have higher settlement values.

5. Future medical needs: Anticipated future medical care required due to the injury is included in the settlement calculation. This ensures the injured worker has funds for ongoing treatment.

Example Calculation for Overall Settlement Value

• Severity of Injury: Severe rotator cuff tear requiring surgery ($50,000)
• Degree of Permanent Impairment: 20% impairment at $500 per percent ($10,000)
• Average Weekly Wage (AWW): $1,000 with a 66% compensation rate for one year ($34,320)
• Medical Expenses: $30,000
• Future Medical Needs: $10,000 annually for five years ($50,000)

Total Settlement Value: $50,000 + $10,000 + $34,320 + $30,000 + $50,000 = $174,320

This example illustrates how each factor contributes to the overall settlement value in a workers’ comp claim for a shoulder injury. A workers’ compensation settlement calculator can help you better understand how much compensation you may be eligible to recover.

Determine If You’re Eligible For Workers’ Comp Benefits After A Shoulder Injury

To qualify for workers’ compensation for a shoulder injury, the following conditions must be met:

• The injury happened while at work
• You are classified as an employee (and not an independent contractor)
• Your employer has a workforce of five or more employees (or one or more in construction)

Meeting these criteria may make you eligible for workers’ compensation. However, to receive a settlement, the injury must have kept you from returning to work for a significant amount of time.

Maximize Your Shoulder Injury Settlement With Help From An Attorney

It’s important to understand that each case is unique, and how much you may receive from a shoulder injury settlement will vary based on many factors. Consulting with a workers’ comp attorney can help ensure that you build a strong claim and maximize your settlement.

Getting started with your claim is easy. Just request a free case evaluation online, and a legal team in our network will reach out to you regarding your case. Our network of attorneys includes a team of over 250+ legal professionals throughout the United States with over $1 billion recovered for clients, including those who have suffered a shoulder injury while on the job.

⚖️ All of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or costs — you only pay if you win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to file a claim after a shoulder injury?

The time limit to file a workers’ compensation claim for a shoulder injury, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Generally, you must report the injury to your employer within a few days to a month and file the claim within one to three years from the date of the injury. Check your state’s specific regulations or consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with local deadlines.

How long will my workers’ comp shoulder injury case take?

The duration of a workers’ comp shoulder injury case can vary widely, typically taking several months to over a year. Factors influencing the timeline include the severity of the injury, the complexity of the case, the efficiency of the claims process in your state, and whether any disputes arise that require resolution. Consulting with a legal professional can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

What’s the impairment rating for a shoulder injury?

The impairment rating for a shoulder injury typically ranges from 0% to 30%, depending on the severity and impact on the individual’s ability to perform daily activities. A minor injury might result in a lower rating, while severe injuries requiring surgery or resulting in significant functional limitations could lead to higher ratings. The exact rating is determined by a medical professional using specific guidelines.