How much is a shoulder injury worth in Oklahoma workers' comp?
How Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma's §46 schedule has no shoulder entry (only the arm at or above the elbow, 275 weeks). The statute does not say whether a shoulder is rated as the arm or as body-as-a-whole impairment (360 weeks).
General rule for permanent injuries in Oklahoma: impairment % (AMA Guides) × 360 weeks at 70% of AWW, max $360/week ($375 from July 1, 2025).
What is different in Oklahoma
Oklahoma pays PPD at 70% of wages but with a low weekly cap ($375 for injuries from July 1, 2025), and the whole body is worth a maximum of 360 weeks.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma vs. neighboring states
| State | How a shoulder injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Arkansas | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Colorado | 208 weeks | — |
| Kansas | 225 weeks | $203,625 |
| Missouri | 232 weeks | $157,338 |
| New Mexico | 200 weeks | $229,332 |
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | — |
"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 Oklahoma
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 70% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,128.66 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 156 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How is a shoulder injury paid in Oklahoma workers' comp?
Oklahoma's §46 schedule has no shoulder entry (only the arm at or above the elbow, 275 weeks). The statute does not say whether a shoulder is rated as the arm or as body-as-a-whole impairment (360 weeks).
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Oklahoma in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,128.66 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma does not pay the first 3 days of lost time.
Which law sets these amounts?
85A O.S. §45 (TTD/PPD), §46 (PPD schedule). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Oklahoma
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: 85A O.S. §45 (TTD/PPD), §46 (PPD schedule); 85A O.S. §45(C) (PPD, 360-week whole body), §46 (schedule)
- Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- wcc.ok.gov/Home/Components/News/News/16/17?arch=1
- law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-85a/section-85a-45
- law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-85a/section-85a-46/
- law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-85a/section-85a-45/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Oklahoma 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.