How Much Is My California Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
If you’ve been injured at work in California, one of the first questions on your mind is probably:
“How much is my workers’ comp case worth?”
The answer depends on many factors, but at Lee Partners Law, our job is to maximize every dollar you’re legally entitled to under California law. Here's a breakdown of how claim value is calculated—and how we fight to increase it.
How Does California Calculate the Value of a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Your case value is based on your Permanent Disability Rating—a number assigned according to the 2005 Permanent Disability Rating Schedule, found in California Labor Code section 4660(a).
Here’s the basic formula:
Whole Person Impairment (WPI)
× 1.4 modifier
× Occupation Adjustment
× Age Adjustment
= Final Permanent Disability Rating (%)
This rating is then used to determine the dollar value of your compensation.
Step-by-Step Example
Let’s say you’re a 55-year-old warehouse worker who suffered a serious low back injury with radiating pain down your legs—potentially indicating nerve root involvement.
Your doctor reviews the AMA Guides, 5th Edition and assigns a 13% WPI (based on Table 15-13 on page 384).
That number is multiplied by 1.4 → 18.2%
Next, your job classification (heavy labor) increases the rating.
Your age further adjusts the number.
You might end up with a 22% Permanent Disability Rating.
According to the state schedule, a 22% PD rating entitles you to $23,552.50 in permanent disability payments.
But That’s Just the Starting Point…
Many injured workers don’t realize how their claim value can increase:
Side effects of pain medication (like stomach issues)
Secondary injuries (like hypertension or migraines due to chronic pain)
Compensable Consequence Injuries: such as limping or over compensating with the unhurt hand / leg
Each of these may increase your total Whole Person Impairment—and in workers’ comp, these impairments combine mathematically, often increasing your overall settlement value.
The Role of Diagnostic Tests
To ensure your doctor assigns the highest appropriate WPI, we push for comprehensive diagnostics:
X-rays
MRIs
EMG/NCV studies
Specialist referrals
These are paid for by the insurance company—not you. Our team works hard to make sure the doctor’s report is complete, thorough, and accurate, giving you the strongest possible case. We are experts at cross-examining doctors and pointing them to the highest rated conditions in the AMA Guides to maximimize your monetary recovery.
Two Ways to Settle Your Case
At the end of your case, you generally have two options:
✅ Stipulated Award
Weekly permanent disability payments
Future medical care stays open
But: care is subject to insurance approval through Utilization Review
💰 Compromise & Release (C&R)
You receive a lump-sum settlement
You give up future medical rights
Often preferred if you want certainty and control
Why Work With Lee Partners Law?
We’re former insurance defense attorneys who now fight exclusively for injured workers.
We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims—because we used to represent them. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
There’s no pain and suffering in California workers’ comp, which makes it even more critical to get your Permanent Disability Rating right. That’s where we come in.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
It’s impossible to know exactly how much your case is worth without reviewing your:
Medical reports
Injury type and severity
Job duties
Diagnostic testing
But one thing is clear: having the right attorney can dramatically increase your final settlement.
📍 Serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and beyond.
📞 Call Lee Partners Law for a free consultation at (310)295-9822.