How much is an arm injury worth in California workers' comp?
How California workers' compensation pays for an arm injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How an arm injury is paid in California
California has no body-part schedule. An injury to the arm is rated as an impairment and paid under the state's general formula: PD rating % (AMA Guides via the PD Rating Schedule, adjusted for occupation and age) converted to weeks by a cumulative table: 3 weeks per % up to 9.75%, rising to 16 weeks per % from 70% to 99.75%.
General rule for permanent injuries in California: PD rating % (AMA Guides via the PD Rating Schedule, adjusted for occupation and age) converted to weeks by a cumulative table: 3 weeks per % up to 9.75%, rising to 16 weeks per % from 70% to 99.75%.
What is different in California
California pays by the percentage, not the body part: the weeks per percentage point climb with severity (3 weeks per % under 10%, 16 weeks per % at 70% and above). The old 15% increase/decrease for return-to-work offers applies only to injuries before 2013.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what California 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 an arm injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
California vs. neighboring states
| State | How an arm injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| California | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Arizona | 60 months | $202,323 |
| Nevada | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Oregon | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
"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 California
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,764.11 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $264.61/week (or actual AWW if lower) |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 104 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How is an arm injury paid in California workers' comp?
California has no body-part schedule. An injury to the arm is rated as an impairment and paid under the state's general formula: PD rating % (AMA Guides via the PD Rating Schedule, adjusted for occupation and age) converted to weeks by a cumulative table: 3 weeks per % up to 9.75%, rising to 16 weeks per % from 70% to 99.75%.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in California in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,764.11 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in California?
Yes. California does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Cal. Lab. Code §§4453, 4652, 4653, 4656, 4658, 4659. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in California
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Cal. Lab. Code §§4453, 4652, 4653, 4656, 4658, 4659; Cal. Lab. Code §§4653, 4658(e), 4660
- Division of Workers' Compensation, California Department of Industrial Relations (official site)
- dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2025/2025-116.html
- california.public.law/codes/labor_code_section_4656
- california.public.law/codes/labor_code_section_4658
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the California 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.