Delaware Workers' Compensation Calculator

You have 2 years to file suit in Delaware, a deadline that is in line with the national average of 1.9 years. This is a standard timeframe, but acting sooner preserves evidence and strengthens your position.

Temporary disability benefits in Delaware replace 67% of your pre-injury wages, subject to a weekly cap of $882. There is also a minimum benefit of $220 per week. Benefits begin after a 3-day waiting period. If your disability extends beyond 7 days, the waiting period is paid retroactively.

Permanent impairment in Delaware is evaluated using the AMA Guides, 5th Edition. The edition or rating system used matters significantly because different versions can produce substantially different impairment ratings for the same injury, directly affecting your permanent disability benefits.

Delaware allows injured workers to choose their own treating physician for workers' compensation claims. In states without this right, the employer or insurer selects the doctor, which can affect both the quality of care and the impairment rating you receive.

Delaware requires injured workers to notify their employer within 30 days of the workplace injury. This notification should be in writing and include the date, time, location, and nature of the injury. The formal workers’ compensation claim filing is a separate process with its own deadline, but missing the employer notification requirement can jeopardize your entire claim.

Delaware’s workers’ compensation system includes vocational rehabilitation benefits for workers whose injuries prevent them from returning to their former positions. This can include career counseling, job retraining programs, tuition assistance, and transitional work placement. These benefits are separate from your disability payments and represent an important resource for long-term recovery and financial stability.