Average Workers' Comp Abdomen Injury Settlements in 2024

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported almost 13,000 work-related abdomen injuries in 2022, with 32% leading to a month or more of missed work.¹ If you suffered an abdomen or trunk injury, you could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. You'll receive weekly payments to make up for lost wages and insurance will pay your medical bills. Some people will also qualify for a settlement worth thousands of dollars.

Average workers' comp settlements for an abdomen injury

Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that the average workers’ compensation settlement for an abdomen injury is $29,243. Included in that total is $17,788 to pay for medical bills and $11,455 as an indemnity payment (covering lost wages).²

Keep in mind that this is a national average and your injury could result in a larger or smaller settlement depending on your situation.

Why your abdomen settlement could be higher

The total workers' compensation payments you get depend largely on how much time you are out of work because of your injury. A more severe injury that requires extra time out of work will lead to higher benefits. In fact, older workers usually receive higher settlements in part because they require more recovery time.

Injuries that require more medical treatment or more complicated treatment, including surgeries, often result in bigger settlements. So do injuries that affect other body parts, such as your chest, hips, or internal organs.

When abdomen injuries qualify for workers’ comp

Any injury that causes weakness, pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion can qualify for workers’ comp benefits. Examples include cuts, burns, fractures, muscle strains, sprains, and any symptoms resulting from those conditions.

An accident (like slipping and falling) can qualify, as can a condition resulting from repetitive strain over time. Since workers' comp is a no-fault system, it doesn't matter who caused the injury.

The key criteria for an abdomen injury to qualify are:

• Your injury happened at work or directly resulted from doing your job duties.

• Your injury left you unable to work for multiple days.

• You quickly reported the injury to your employer.

You have a limited number of days to report your injury, so make sure to do it as soon as possible. Failing to report within the deadline will mean you can't get benefits.

Only employees can get workers' comp. That includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers, but not contractors, gig workers, or freelancers.

Learn more about the kinds of injuries that qualify for workers’ comp.

Will workers’ comp always offer a settlement?

No, workers' comp claims do not automatically lead to settlements. Most claims end when you return to work, so you get regular workers' comp benefits — weekly wage replacement checks and free medical care — but no lump-sum settlement.

When you can get a settlement

The most common time to receive a settlement offer is when you reach maximum medical improvement. Also called MMI, that's the point when you've recovered as much as possible but still haven't returned to your pre-injury condition.

We recommend talking with a workers' comp lawyer any time you receive a settlement offer. They are experienced in these negotiations, so they will know what a reasonable payout is and the next steps you should take.

Further reading: When Workers’ Comp Could Offer a Settlement

What to do if you get a settlement offer

There are three things you can do once you get a settlement offer:

1. Accept the settlement as offered.

2. Reject the offer and continue receiving benefits.

3. Negotiate for a better settlement.

The insurance company is generally looking after its own profits instead of your best interests, so your first offer is rarely the best you can get. Most people benefit from negotiating, but calculating a reasonable settlement requires considering many variables. Workers' compensation lawyers have experience with these calculations, so talking to one before you accept any offers is the best option.

As an example of how much difference a lawyer makes, the average settlement with an Atticus lawyer is double what workers receive without a lawyer. Beyond negotiating, an experienced lawyer will help you fight for more (and probably better) medical care from insurance. They will handle paperwork and communications with your claims administrator. If you need to file appeals, appear in court, or get a second medical opinion, a lawyer can help with all of that.

Related: Situations When You Should Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

How much workers’ comp pays if you don’t settle

Workers’ comp typically pays up to two-thirds of your average wages via checks that arrive every week or every other week. These benefits, also called temporary disability, last until you return to work, reach MMI and change to long-term benefits, or sign a settlement contract. (Check your state's workers’ comp rate.)

The workers' comp insurer will also pay medical bills related to your injury, including everything from copays and maybe travel expenses to medications or surgical procedures.

Further reading: How Long You Can Be on Workers' Comp in Every State

Do you need a workers’ comp lawyer?

Workers' comp lawyers understand your state laws inside and out, so they'll know how to get you through your claim as smoothly as possible. An experienced lawyer will have trusted medical professionals they can recommend you to for care, and they'll ensure you get full benefits from insurance.

A reputable workers’ comp lawyer is also affordable. For example, Atticus lawyers offer free consultations and don't ask for any upfront payment. You only pay their fee after you get your settlement. If you don't get a settlement, you don't have to pay them a cent.

To get quick answers to your workers' comp questions and take the first step toward a fair settlement, complete our 3-minute intake quiz or call us at the number below.

Find a local workers' comp lawyer

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