Rotator Cuff Workers' Comp Settlement Calculator
Estimate your rotator cuff injury workers' comp settlement. Average settlement: $75,000. Range typically $28,000 – $325,000 depending on severity and state.
Adam Noah · Workers' Comp Research Analyst
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy
About the authorAverage Rotator Cuff Injury Settlement
$75,000
Source: National Safety Council injury cost database
How Is a Rotator Cuff Injury Workers' Comp Settlement Calculated?
A rotator cuff 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 rotator cuff 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 Rotator Cuff Injury Settlement Amounts by Severity (2026)
| Severity | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Partial Tear (No Surgery) | $28,000 – $55,000 |
| Full-Thickness Tear (Surgical) | $55,000 – $125,000 |
| Massive Tear / Revision | $110,000 – $220,000 |
| Reverse Shoulder Replacement | $170,000 – $325,000 |
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 Rotator Cuff Injury Settlement
- •Partial vs full-thickness tear
- •Surgical repair successful vs failed
- •Permanent overhead lifting restrictions
- •Return to prior occupation (overhead work is often eliminated)
- •Age and tissue quality (older tissue heals less well)
- •Your state's scheduled loss value for the shoulder/arm
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 rotator cuff 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 rotator cuff?▾
Workers comp rotator cuff settlements average $75,000. Partial tears without surgery settle $28K-$55K. Surgical repairs settle $55K-$125K. Reverse shoulder replacements can reach $325K.
Can I settle my rotator cuff case without surgery?▾
Yes, but surgical cases typically settle 2-3x higher. If surgery has been recommended and you decline, the carrier may pressure you to settle cheaper. Consult an attorney before refusing recommended surgery.
What if my rotator cuff surgery fails?▾
Failed rotator cuff repairs (re-tear) typically double settlement value because permanent restrictions become highly likely. Revision surgery or reverse shoulder arthroplasty pushes settlements into the $150K-$325K range.
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