Washington D.C. Workers' Compensation Calculator
Calculate your workers' compensation benefits including temporary disability pay, permanent disability rating, and medical cost recovery. Our calculator applies your state's specific benefit rates, waiting periods, and settlement rules under Washington D.C.'s specific laws.
What's My Washington D.C. Case Worth?Quick & easy · Takes 2 minutes · 100% free
In Washington D.C., you generally have 1 year to file a workers' compensation claim. What your case is worth depends on your specific damages and Washington D.C.'s laws — use the calculator below for a free estimate of your low-to-high range.
Key Washington D.C. Laws
| Filing Deadline | 1 year shorter than the national average of 1.8 years |
|---|---|
| Negligence System | Contributory Negligence One of only 5 jurisdictions with this strict rule |
| Max Weekly Benefit | $1,881 Above avg ($1,243) |
| TTD Rate | 67% of wages No fixed week limit |
| Waiting Period | 3 days Retroactive after 14 days |
| Employer Notice Deadline | 30 days Must report injury to employer within this period |
| Vocational Rehab | Available State provides job retraining benefits |
How Washington D.C. Law Affects Your Workers' Compensation Case
Washington D.C.'s workers' compensation benefits are available regardless of who caused the workplace injury. Washington D.C.'s negligence rules become relevant only if you pursue a separate third-party claim — for example, suing a equipment manufacturer or a negligent contractor alongside your workers' comp claim.
You have 1 year to file suit in Washington D.C., a deadline that is shorter than the national average of 1.8 years. This compressed timeline means you need to consult an attorney and begin gathering evidence quickly.
Temporary disability benefits in Washington D.C. replace 67% of your pre-injury wages, subject to a weekly cap of $1,881. There is also a minimum benefit of $470 per week. Benefits begin after a 3-day waiting period. If your disability extends beyond 14 days, the waiting period is paid retroactively.
Permanent impairment in Washington D.C. 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.
Washington D.C. 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.
In Washington D.C., you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. This employer notification deadline is separate from — and much shorter than — the 1-year statute of limitations for filing a formal claim. Failing to notify your employer within 30 days can result in your claim being denied or your benefits being reduced, even if you file the formal claim on time. Report the injury in writing and keep a copy for your records.
If your workplace injury prevents you from returning to your prior job in Washington D.C., you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits are designed to help injured workers re-enter the workforce through skills training, education, job search assistance, and related support. The goal is to help you achieve employment at wages as close as possible to your pre-injury earnings. Your eligibility is typically determined through a vocational assessment.
Washington D.C. Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart
These are the inputs the settlement formula (rate x weeks x rating) uses in Washington D.C.: the weekly compensation rate and its cap, the weeks and waiting rules the state applies, and the guide that sets the impairment rating.
| Wage-replacement (TTD) rate | 67% of average weekly wageTemporary total disability, paid while you cannot work |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,881The weekly ceiling, whatever your wage |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $470The weekly floor for low earners |
| Waiting period | 3 daysPaid back if disability lasts past 14 days |
| Maximum TTD weeks | No fixed limitNo statutory week cap recorded |
| Maximum PPD weeks | 500 weeksCap on permanent partial disability payments |
| Impairment rating guide | AMA Guides, 5th EditionSets the impairment percentage in the formula |
Take a worker in Washington D.C. earning $1,200 a week. The state replaces 67% of that, which comes to $800, under the $1,881 weekly maximum. Multiply that rate by 100 scheduled weeks and a 10% impairment rating and the permanent partial award is $8,000. The wage, the weeks and the rating are placeholders, so this is an illustration, not a prediction for any claim.
- Average weekly wage (placeholder)
- $1,200
- Compensation rate (67% of wages)
- $800, below the $1,881 maximum
- Scheduled weeks (placeholder)
- 100 weeks
- Impairment rating (placeholder)
- 10%
- Permanent partial award in this example
- $8,000
Read more: Workers' Comp Settlement Chart · How Much Does Workers' Comp Pay
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Washington D.C. Workers' Compensation FAQs
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Legal Disclaimer
This calculator uses Washington D.C.'s statutes as of 2026-08-24. Laws change frequently. This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current rules with a Washington D.C.-licensed attorney before making decisions about your case. Learn about our methodology.
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