How much is a shoulder injury worth in West Virginia workers' comp?
How West Virginia 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 West Virginia
West Virginia has no shoulder entry; the schedule lists loss of an arm as a 60% disability (240 weeks). The statute does not say whether shoulder impairment is rated to the arm or by whole-body impairment (4 weeks per percent).
General rule for permanent injuries in West Virginia: Whole-body medical impairment %; 4 weeks per 1% (6 weeks per 1% if released to the old job but the employer does not offer it or comparable work) at 66.67% of AWW.
What is different in West Virginia
Every percent of disability is worth 4 weeks of benefits, rising to 6 weeks per percent if the doctor releases you to your old job and the employer doesn't offer it or comparable work. Unlisted injuries are rated only by whole-body medical impairment.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what West Virginia 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.
West Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | How a shoulder injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Maryland | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Ohio | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — |
| 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 West Virginia
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,150.91 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 33.33% of SAWW (dollar amount for FY 2027 not confirmed) |
| Waiting period | Not confirmed |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 104 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How is a shoulder injury paid in West Virginia workers' comp?
West Virginia has no shoulder entry; the schedule lists loss of an arm as a 60% disability (240 weeks). The statute does not say whether shoulder impairment is rated to the arm or by whole-body impairment (4 weeks per percent).
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in West Virginia in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,150.91 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)).
Which law sets these amounts?
W. Va. Code §§ 23-4-6, 23-4-14. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in West Virginia
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: W. Va. Code §§ 23-4-6, 23-4-14; W. Va. Code § 23-4-6(e)-(f)
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (official site)
- codes.findlaw.com/wv/chapter-23-workers-compensation/wv-code-sect-23-4-6/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the West Virginia 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.