Workers’ Comp Settlements: The Cost of Different Types of Injuries

January 5, 2026 | Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Comp Settlements: The Cost of Different Types of Injuries

If you are hurt at work, your workers’ compensation benefits will typically cover your medical expenses and lost wages. However, you might also be entitled to receive a financial settlement as well. The amount of your settlement depends on the body part that was injured, the severity of the injury, and several other factors. 

Keep reading below to learn more about the cost of different types of injuries in Pennsylvania.

What Is a Scheduled Loss?

Some job-related injuries result in permanent damage. For instance, an injured worker might lose 50% of the use of their thumb, or they could suffer a total loss of one of their legs. 

When it comes to workers’ compensation, a scheduled loss is a financial payment for the partial or total loss of use of a specific body part. The rules and amounts used for calculating a scheduled loss are different from one state to the next.

It is important to note that you may also be able to receive a financial payment for a “non-scheduled” loss. These losses are often more complex, and the amount of those losses is often highly contested.

How Workers’ Comp Settlements Vary by Injured Body Part

The amount of your workers’ comp settlement can vary widely depending on which body part was injured. While any permanent injury can be devastating to a worker, some injuries are far more disabling than others. For example, the total loss of an arm is typically much more life-altering than long-term but minor pain in a wrist.

Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, there is no fixed dollar value assigned to each body part. Instead, benefits are calculated based on your average weekly wage. The law uses a schedule of compensation that assigns a specific number of weeks of benefits for the total loss of use of certain body parts.

Examples of benefit periods for total loss of use include:

  • Hand: 66 ⅔% of your wages for 335 weeks
  • Arm: 66 ⅔% of your wages for 410 weeks
  • Foot: 66 ⅔% of your wages for 250 weeks
  • Leg: 66 ⅔% of your wages for 410 weeks
  • Eye: 66 ⅔% of your wages for 275 weeks

These scheduled time periods serve as a baseline for calculating benefits and assume a complete loss of use of the affected body part.

Partial Loss of Use and Permanent Impairment

Workers do not need to suffer a total loss of a body part to qualify for permanent workers’ compensation benefits. Partial loss of use is also compensable under Pennsylvania law.

When an injury results in a permanent partial loss, the number of weeks listed in the schedule is multiplied by the percentage of loss. For example, if you suffer a 50% loss of use of your arm, you would receive 66 ⅔% of your wages for 205 weeks, which is half of the 410-week total loss period.

Factors Affecting Your Workers’ Comp Settlement

After your workplace accident, there are many factors that can affect the amount of your workers’ comp settlement. 

Some of the most common factors that must be assessed when determining the amount of your settlement include:

  • The severity of your injury
  • The specific body part involved
  • The expected amount of your medical expenses
  • The impact of your injury on your earning capacity
  • State-specific compensation rules
  • Whether you had any pre-existing conditions

All these factors (and maybe more) will be evaluated when determining the value of your workers’ comp settlement.

Maximizing Your Workers’ Compensation Settlement

Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania will pay different settlement amounts for different types of injuries. To maximize the value of your settlement, there are some things you should do after your accident. 

After an accident at work, you should:

  • Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries
  • Notify your employer of your accident
  • Take photos of your injuries as well as the area where the accident occurred
  • Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
  • Seek help from an experienced workers’ comp lawyer

An experienced lawyer can help you determine how much of a settlement you may expect to receive. While it is impossible to predict exactly what your settlement will be, a lawyer can evaluate all the facts of your situation to help you maximize the compensation that you receive.

Contact the Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for Help Today

If you’ve been injured at work and are seeking workers’ compensation in Harrisburg, PA, Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to help. Our Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyers will work tirelessly to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

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2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

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2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

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937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963