California Workers’ Comp Settlements for Shoulder Injuries
If your shoulder was injured on the job in California, you’re probably wondering what a fair settlement looks like and how those numbers are actually calculated. This guide explains the moving pieces in plain English, including how doctors arrive at Whole Person Impairment (WPI) using the AMA Guides, 5th Edition, and how that becomes a permanent disability rating under the 2005 Schedule.
Who this guide is for
California workers with job-related shoulder injuries, including warehouse associates, delivery drivers, mechanics, construction and trades, manufacturing, custodial, security, public safety, airport ground crew, and retail.
Common work shoulder injuries
Rotator cuff tears (supraspinatus most common), impingement, bursitis
Labral tears (SLAP), instability
AC joint sprain or arthritis
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Fractures of the clavicle or proximal humerus
Nerve entrapment and traction injuries
Cumulative trauma from years of overhead work or lifting
What drives settlement value in a California shoulder case
Credible diagnosis and imaging tying the condition to work
Quality of treatment and whether it relieved symptoms
Temporary disability (wage-loss) paid and still owed
Permanent impairment measured as WPI and then converted to a PD rating
Apportionment (what portion, if any, is blamed on non-industrial factors)
Future care needs
Work restrictions and ability to return to the same job
Age and occupation modifiers under the 2005 rating schedule
Temporary disability and medical care basics
You can receive medical treatment and up to 104 weeks of temporary disability benefits while you’re off work or on reduced hours because of the accepted injury. We do a line-by-line review to make sure TTD was paid correctly and on time, and whether penalties are owed for late payments.
How WPI works for the shoulder (AMA Guides, 5th Edition)
Doctors use the AMA Guides 5th to describe permanent loss of function once you’ve reached MMI. For the shoulder, common methods include:
Range of motion deficits (flexion, abduction, rotation) measured with a goniometer
Specific diagnosis-based tables for conditions like distal clavicle resection or arthroplasty
Strength deficits only in narrow situations and never to “double count” with ROM
Each deficit produces a percentage for the upper extremity; those are combined and then converted to WPI using the Guides’ tables. The doctor must also discuss apportionment and future care.
Converting WPI to a PD rating and dollars (California 2005 Schedule)
California doesn’t pay settlements on WPI alone. WPI is converted to a PD rating using age and occupation modifiers. That PD rating corresponds to a certain number of weeks of PD payments at your statutory weekly rate. Settlements (Stips or C&R) are then negotiated using those numbers plus future care considerations.
Realistic ranges and examples
Every case is unique, but here are clean, realistic examples that reflect how cases are valued—not promises, just illustrations of how the math works:
Example A: Non-surgical impingement with ROM loss
WPI: 5–8% after combining ROM deficits
Age/occupation adjustment yields PD ≈ 6–10%
Rough value: often $15,000–$45,000, depending on earnings, penalties due, and apportionment
Example B: Rotator cuff repair with good result
WPI: 10–14% after accounting for surgery and residual ROM limits
PD ≈ 12–18%
Rough value: often $25,000–$60,000+ when TTD, penalties, and future care are factored
Example C: Massive tear with weakness, permanent overhead limits, older worker in heavy occupation
WPI: 15–20% (sometimes higher)
PD can reach mid-20s after modifiers
Rough value: $45,000–$90,000+, especially if future care is substantial or return to usual work is not feasible
Why ranges vary: weekly PD rates, apportionment arguments, accuracy of the AMA write-up, whether the QME agrees with your treater, and whether future care is bought out.
These are extremely rough estimates, and age, job, past injuries can all impact the case. Disclaimer - every case is different and past examples do not guarantee future outcomes.
How to increase the value of a shoulder case
Get the right imaging at the right time. MRIs or ultrasound that match your symptoms and exam.
Consistent reporting. Early, accurate reporting prevents “delay” arguments.
Rehab compliance. PT attendance and home exercises matter in the record.
A clean AMA write-up. The report should document exact goniometer measurements, how WPI was derived, and a reasoned apportionment analysis.
QME strategy. If a QME is required, calendar deadlines, prepare thoroughly, and bring records.
Document work impact. Keep a simple log of tasks you can’t do, flare-ups, and sleep disturbance.
Don’t sign forms from the insurer without counsel reviewing them.
QME and medical-legal pitfalls to avoid
Missing panel deadlines
Incomplete records sent to the QME
Allowing the doctor to “estimate” ROM without measurements
Accepting “100% non-industrial” apportionment with no analysis
Ignoring secondary issues like neck referral pain or nerve involvement
When surgery is involved
Surgery doesn’t automatically mean a high settlement. What matters is functional change at MMI, credible measurements, and long-term restrictions. If you have a failed repair, adhesive capsulitis, or persistent weakness, the medical-legal documentation needs to spell out why and how that impacts WPI and work capacity.
FAQs
How long do shoulder cases take to settle?
Most resolve after MMI and the first definitive medical-legal report. Timelines vary with surgery and QME scheduling.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes, with limits. The doctor must accept workers’ compensation. If there’s a Medical Provider Network, there are rules for selection and change.
What if my claim was denied?
Denied shoulder claims can still win. We file the Application, get you evaluated, and use medical-legal evidence to prove industrial causation.
What if I already had shoulder problems from sports or age?
Pre-existing issues are common. The question is how much of your current disability is work-related. That’s an apportionment analysis, not an automatic denial.
Cities we serve
Lee Partners Law represents injured workers across Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire, the High Desert, Ventura County, Orange County, and San Diego.
Free case review. Call or text us. We’ll review your facts, your imaging, and your doctor’s impairment write-up, then give you a plan. David A Lee and Michael Lee are experts on maximizing your shoulder injury claim. CALL OR TEXT TODAY FOR FREE CONSULT 310-295-0822