How much is a shoulder injury worth in Alabama workers' comp?
How Alabama workers' compensation pays for a shoulder injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How a shoulder injury is paid in Alabama
No shoulder entry in the schedule; whether a shoulder injury is paid as partial loss of the arm (222 weeks) or as a non-scheduled disability is not settled by the statute text.
General rule for permanent injuries in Alabama: 66 2/3% of the difference between pre-injury AWW and what the worker can earn after the injury, for up to 300 weeks.
What is different in Alabama
Alabama pays scheduled members (arm 222 weeks, leg 200 weeks) proportionally to the loss of use; injuries off the schedule are paid on actual wage loss, not on an impairment percentage. Permanent total disability cannot be paid as a lump sum without both employer and employee consent.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Alabama law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for a shoulder injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Alabama vs. neighboring states
| State | How a shoulder injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Florida | whole-person %, 2–6 weeks per point | — |
| Georgia | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Mississippi | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | — |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in Alabama
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,219 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 27.5% of state AWW (or actual wage if lower); $322 for injuries 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30; 2026-27 dollar figure not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 21 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How is a shoulder injury paid in Alabama workers' comp?
No shoulder entry in the schedule; whether a shoulder injury is paid as partial loss of the arm (222 weeks) or as a non-scheduled disability is not settled by the statute text.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Alabama in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,219 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30).
Is there a waiting period in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 21 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Ala. Code §§25-5-57, 25-5-59, 25-5-68. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Alabama
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Ala. Code §§25-5-57, 25-5-59, 25-5-68; Ala. Code §25-5-57(a)(3)
- law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-25/chapter-5/article-3/section-25-5-57/
- law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-25/chapter-5/article-3/section-25-5-68/
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Alabama workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.