How much is a shoulder injury worth in District of Columbia workers' comp?
How District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
D.C.'s schedule has no shoulder entry; the arm is 312 weeks. The statute does not say whether a shoulder injury is paid on the arm schedule or as a non-schedule (wage-loss) injury.
General rule for permanent injuries in District of Columbia: 66 2/3% of the wage-loss difference, capped at 500 weeks (extension of up to 167 weeks if whole-body impairment exceeds 20%).
What is different in District of Columbia
Schedule ratings may use the latest AMA Guides together with five factors: pain, weakness, atrophy, loss of endurance and loss of function. After 500 weeks of partial disability, a worker can petition for up to 167 more weeks if an independent examiner finds whole-body impairment above 20%.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what District of Columbia 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.
District of Columbia vs. neighboring states
| State | How a shoulder injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Maryland | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Virginia | 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 District of Columbia
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,852.07 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 25% of the maximum (or actual AWW if lower); 2025 value $452.17, 2026 dollar figure not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 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 District of Columbia workers' comp?
D.C.'s schedule has no shoulder entry; the arm is 312 weeks. The statute does not say whether a shoulder injury is paid on the arm schedule or as a non-schedule (wage-loss) injury.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in District of Columbia in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,852.07 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia 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?
D.C. Code §§32-1505, 32-1508. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in District of Columbia
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: D.C. Code §§32-1505, 32-1508; D.C. Code §§32-1505(b), 32-1508(3)
- Office of Workers' Compensation, D.C. Department of Employment Services (official site)
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1505
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1508
- does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/publication/attachments/Maximum-Minimum%20Co
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the District of Columbia 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.