How much is a shoulder injury worth in Hawaii workers' comp?
How Hawaii 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 Hawaii
Hawaii's statute lists only 'loss of an arm' (312 weeks) and has no shoulder entry, so it does not say whether a shoulder is rated to the arm or to the whole person. Both use a 312-week base.
General rule for permanent injuries in Hawaii: whole-person impairment % × 312 weeks × the effective maximum weekly benefit rate (award cap), at 66.67% of AWW.
What is different in Hawaii
Unscheduled injuries use the same 312-week base as loss of an arm. The Director may also award up to $30,000 for disfigurement, separately from other PPD.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Hawaii 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.
While you recover: temporary disability in Hawaii
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,240 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | Greater of $38 or 25% of the maximum (= $310 for 2026, computed); if AWW is below the minimum, benefit = AWW |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| 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 Hawaii workers' comp?
Hawaii's statute lists only 'loss of an arm' (312 weeks) and has no shoulder entry, so it does not say whether a shoulder is rated to the arm or to the whole person. Both use a 312-week base.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Hawaii in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,240 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii does not pay the first 3 days of lost time.
Which law sets these amounts?
HRS 386-31 (total disability), 386-32 (partial disability schedule), 386-51 (AWW). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Hawaii
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: HRS 386-31 (total disability), 386-32 (partial disability schedule), 386-51 (AWW); HRS 386-32 (partial disability schedule and unscheduled injuries), 386-31
- Disability Compensation Division (DCD), Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (official site)
- labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/files/2025/12/2026-Maximum-Weekly-Wage-Base.pdf
- labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/forms/guidelines/
- law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-21/chapter-386/section-386-31/
- law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-21/chapter-386/section-386-32/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Hawaii 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.