Head & Brain Injury Workers Comp Settlement Calculator
Estimate your head injury workers' comp settlement. Average settlement: $91,844. Range typically $20,000 – $1,000,000+ depending on severity and state.
Adam Noah · Workers' Comp Research Analyst
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy
About the authorAverage Head & Brain Injury Settlement
$91,844
Source: National Safety Council injury cost database
How Is a Head & Brain Injury Workers' Comp Settlement Calculated?
A head injury workers' comp settlement in 2026 is built from four main components. Understanding each piece helps you know whether an offer is fair.
- 1.Lost wages (Temporary Total Disability). Most states pay 66.67% of your average weekly wage while you're off work, capped at the state maximum.
- 2.Permanent impairment. After you reach MMI, a doctor assigns an impairment rating (usually 0-100%). That rating multiplied by your state's scheduled weeks produces the PPD portion.
- 3.Medical expenses. Both past medical bills and reasonable future medical care for the head injury. In lump-sum settlements this is capitalized into the total.
- 4.Vocational / loss-of-earning-capacity. If you can't return to your prior job at the same wage, the difference — sometimes for years — increases the settlement value.
Insurers typically try to settle these claims at 50-70% of their true value. Workers represented by attorneys historically recover 3-5x what unrepresented claimants accept.
Average Head & Brain Injury Settlement Amounts by Severity (2026)
| Severity | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Concussion (Mild) | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Post-Concussion Syndrome | $45,000 – $120,000 |
| Moderate TBI | $100,000 – $350,000 |
| Severe TBI | $400,000 – $2,000,000 |
Ranges based on National Safety Council, Martindale-Nolo, and state workers' comp board settlement data. Actual settlements depend on your state, wage, and case specifics.
Key Factors That Affect Your Head & Brain Injury Settlement
- •Glasgow Coma Scale score at time of injury
- •Neuroimaging findings (CT, MRI)
- •Permanent cognitive or behavioral impairment
- •Ability to return to any gainful employment
- •Age and pre-existing neurological conditions
- •Need for ongoing rehabilitation or attendant care
- •Neuropsychological test results
Is Your Settlement Offer Fair? Get a Free Case Review
A workers' comp attorney can review your offer and negotiate — most work on contingency (no fee unless you win). Represented claimants historically receive significantly higher settlements for head injuries.
Find a Workers' Comp AttorneyExternal link to Avvo attorney directory. WorkCompCalc does not endorse specific attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average workers comp settlement for a head injury?▾
NSC data shows the average workers comp head and brain injury settlement is $91,844. Mild concussions settle $15,000-$50,000. Moderate TBI cases reach $100,000-$350,000. Severe TBI can settle for $400,000-$2 million or more.
Is a concussion a big deal for workers comp?▾
Yes. Even mild concussions settle $15,000-$50,000. If you develop post-concussion syndrome — lingering headaches, dizziness, cognitive problems — settlements rise to $45,000-$120,000. Document all symptoms with your doctor from day one.
How do workers comp brain injury settlements work?▾
Brain injury settlements factor in medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, and often a life-care plan prepared by a specialist. Expect neuropsychological testing, vocational evaluation, and multiple expert opinions before settlement.
Can I get a settlement for PTSD after a work head injury?▾
Yes, if the PTSD is documented and linked to the workplace head injury. Mental health conditions tied to a physical injury are generally compensable. Some states also allow mental-only claims for first responders and in specific circumstances.
Other Injury Settlement Calculators
Back Injury
Avg $91,844
Knee Injury
Avg $64,063
Shoulder Injury
Avg $55,000
Neck & Cervical Injury
Avg $68,749
Multiple Body Parts
Avg $68,749
Hand & Wrist Injury
Avg $29,441
Foot & Ankle Injury
Avg $23,827
Hip Injury
Avg $51,000
Head & Brain Injury
Avg $91,844
Herniated Disc
Avg $70,000
Carpal Tunnel
Avg $30,510
Spinal Fusion
Avg $185,000
Rotator Cuff Injury
Avg $75,000
Knee Replacement
Avg $85,000
Amputation
Avg $175,000
CRPS / RSD
Avg $350,000