May 14, 2025 | Compensation, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation
Workplace injuries are an unfortunately common part of life in some cases. While most injuries that occur on the job could have been avoided in some way or another.
According to the Operational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), there were 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022. This is a 7.5 increase from 2021. Of those injuries in 2022, OSHA states that 5,486 were fatal – a 5.7 increase from 2021.
Accidents and negligence are everyday occurrences, and when we suffer from injuries sustained while working, it is vital we receive the compensation we deserve. After all, that is why we have workers’ compensation insurance, isn’t it?
We have compiled data for the data using the most recent years available to give an overview of the types of injuries
According to research conducted by the National Safety Council, the average workers’ comp payout for all injuries and illnesses was $41,757 in 2020-2021 (their most recent data). As you will see in the graphs presented below, the average payout varies heavily depending on the type of injury or illness sustained.
Based on data collected by the National Safety Council‘s most recent findings, the highest workers’ compensation payouts based on the type of injury include:
| Cause of Injury | Injury Compensation | Payment for Lost Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | $89,743 | $36,290 |
| Other Trauma | $33,086 | $29,958 |
| Fracture/crush/dislocation | $36,884 | $25,356 |
| Burn | $38,392 | $13,830 |
| Infection/inflammation | $18,710 | $20,346 |
| Sprain/strain | $16,217 | $18,076 |
| Carpal tunnel | $15,919 | $18,136 |
| Contusion/concussion | $17,810 | $15,887 |
| Lacerate/puncture/rupture | $18,817 | $14,329 |
| Occ. disease/cumulative injury | $7,661 | $9,102 |
Unsurprisingly, on average, amputations have the highest workers’ compensation payouts. Workplace injuries resulting in amputation have an average workers’ comp payout of around $126,000. Bone fractures and joint dislocation have the second-highest average workman’s comp payout of just over $63,000.
Obviously, the severity of the injury and the body part that is injured also play a significant role in the compensation that is awarded. Injuries to the head or chest will almost always result in a higher payout than those to an arm or a leg.
Related: The average personal injury settlement for common injuries
Knowing the type of compensation you can expect based on the type of injury you sustained can be a very helpful tool when planning your finances after you have been injured at work. Another piece of data we think you should keep in mind is the average compensation based on the cause of the accident.
This can not only help you when choosing an occupation but also after an accident when calculating the workman’s comp benefits you are receiving versus what the average payout in the United States is.
| Cause of Injury | Injury Compensation | Payment for Lost Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle | $49,395 | $39,757 |
| Burn | $34,674 | $17,487 |
| Fall/slip | $27,688 | $22,283 |
| Caught | $27,587 | $19,489 |
| Struck by | $21,634 | $18,470 |
| Strain | $17,386 | $18,814 |
| Cumulative injuries | $15,148 | $18,761 |
| Striking against | $16,211 | $14,939 |
| Misc. cause | $12,058 | $12,467 |
| Cut/punch/scrape | $14,110 | $10,140 |
Car accidents are responsible for the highest amount of workers’ compensation payouts with an average sum of over $89,000. This may be surprising to some due to the average car accident being simple fender benders, but when you take into account the extreme nature of collisions that involve truck accidents or other commercial vehicles, it makes sense that that number is nearly double the next highest cause.
Related: Answers to Help You Understand Workers’ Compensation in Missouri
It’s a world of danger out there. You may be familiar with popular workplace injuries such as slips, trips, and falls. But there are other types of injuries you might not know about that happen in the workplace every day. Each injury is unique and there is no exact answer when it comes to how much compensation will be rewarded. Our attorneys have experience handling a wide range of cases and even specialize in things like workers’ comp for police officers and firefighters in St. Louis, Missouri.
It is important to know the importance of speaking with a personal injury attorney if you have been injured on the job; even if you have (or will) receive workers’ compensation.
A workers’ compensation attorney will be able to examine your insurance, injuries, and payout to determine whether or not you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Like car, home, and all other types of insurance agents, workers’ comp insurance agents will do everything in their power to minimize their payout. If you have been injured or have become ill due to a workplace incident, we recommend speaking with a local workers’ comp attorney to discuss your case.
If you are in St. Louis, Missouri or the surrounding areas, feel free to contact Ortwerth Law today.
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Craig was great and did a fantastic job for me. He is very professional and knew how to do his job. Craig is a very friendly, compassionate and understanding person. He answered all my questions and called to see how I was doing. I would recommend Craig to everyone. In my book he is an outstanding attorney.
Having Craig work on my case from beginning to end was the best decision I'd ever made! My case went on for 3 1/2 years and during that time i never had to worry about "bothering him or his staff with questions, or their patience in explaining what was going on or what I needed to do. They kept me and everyone involved informed and things went along smoothly! I hope to never have a case like this again, but if I do, there is absolutely NO doubt in my mind as to where I'd go and who I'd have to handle my case!! I highly recommend anyone to at least sit down for a consult. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!! Great Job Craig (& Marcie!!)
Craig was AWESOME to work with!! If I had a question he had no problem taking my call or returning a call if he was busy. I literally did nothing except sign papers. He did everything for me and made the process of my workmans composition settlement stress free!!! Give Craig a call, I believe he will make you a very happy client like me!!
Brian McChesney is the BEST divorce lawyer I have ever experienced or come across. He goes out of his way to help, and has the best suggestive advice. I appreciate his integrity, valor, and honesty. I cant even begin to express my gratitude and thankfulness! Wonderful guy!-Laura
I grew up playing sports with Craig since grade school. Dedication, determination, and commitment lead to his success as an athlete and now leads him to be successful in law. When I was in a accident several years ago I called to ask for his help. He took care of all the legal tasks while I concentrated on physical therapy. I have recommended several of my friends and family to Craig and he has given them the same commitment and assistance. I endorse Craig and his firm for anyone needing legal service.
I’m so grateful that Craig Ortwerth and his office took on my car accident case. Craig was so easy to work with and he quickly replied back to any questions or concerns I had and explained every step to me. I felt such relief knowing I was in good hands and I didn’t have to worry about dealing with the insurance company so I could focus on healing from my accident.
Brian is an outstanding attorney! I had a pretty complicated divorce and it was not an easy time for me. Brian was thoughtful and empathetic to my situation. He wasn’t some cold attorney sitting across from me nodding his head. He was very responsive to any and all concerns I had, and never made me feel like a bother. He knows his profession and does it well. His prices are more than fair.
As the Office Manager at Healthcare Complete, I would highly recommend the legal services from Brian McChesney and Craig Ortwerth. We have routinely referred our personal injury patients in need of legal advice/representation to their firm, and our patients have ALWAYS been well represented and satisfied. On a personal level, I have been represented by their firm for a personal injury case and have been equally satisfied. I have referred family and friends to the firm for similar situations. Our office, Doctor and Staff hold the firm in high regard. Thanks for all you've done for us through the years!
This was the first time I have ever needed a lawyer. And Craig Ortwerth was refered by a friend he made this process easier than I could have ever imagined. All I had to do was sign a few papers and everything else he took care of. I'm so happy with the outcome and working with Craig was great.
Hands down this is the best firm in St.Louis! I have had the BEST experience at McChesney & Orthworth. I have worked with Brian who from day one of me walking into the office has provided the most humble counsel.Very professional. When stepping in this office I felt like they truly wanted to help me get the best care. I can't say enough about his firm. Truly amazing!! I would recommend this firm to others in a heartbeat! To all of you at McChesney & Orthworth law group, a sincere thank you!! Many Thanks! Brooke Hinkle
I had Craig ortwerth represent me for a workmans Comp case and I will say he did an amazing job was very easy to keep in contact with and he handled everything in the best way possible I am extremely happy with the settlement he got me I fully endorse his law firm nothing remotely negative to say
I have worked with Craig Ortwerth on a few different occasions. Each time I was very pleased with the out come. Everyone from the staff to the lawyers are nice, respectful and give excellent customer service.
Brain McChesney has represented and guided us through several legal matters over the past 15 - 20 years. We have found him to be knowledgeable, responsive, aggressive, reasonable, and trustworthy. We would not turn to anyone else in the future. I highly recommend him.
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