Run your numbers through our Colorado-specific calculator with 2026 damage caps.
Settlement Guide
If you've suffered a back injury on the job in Colorado, understanding the 2026 benefit maximums is critical to valuing your claim. From minor strains to spinal fusion surgery, here is how payouts are calculated.
"How much is my back injury worth?" is the most common question we hear. In Colorado, workers' compensation doesn't provide a "pain and suffering" check. Instead, settlements are formulaic, based on lost wages, medical costs, and your permanent impairment rating.
For the current fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), the maximum weekly benefit for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is $1,396.85. This rate serves as the baseline for many settlement calculations.[1]
| Injury Type | Estimated Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Strain / Sprain | $5,000 – $20,000 | Physical therapy, short-term TTD, no surgery. |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $20,000 – $50,000 | Injections, moderate impairment rating. |
| Surgical Back Injury (Fusion/Discectomy) | $100,000+ | High impairment, future medical needs, wage loss. |
*Note: These are estimates. Individual claim values depend on your specific Average Weekly Wage (AWW) and MMI rating.
In Colorado, back injuries are classified as "Whole Person" injuries. Unlike a finger or an arm, which have fixed schedules, a back injury payout is determined by a complex formula:
This "cliff" at 20% is why many insurers fight hard to keep ratings at 18% or 19%. A single percentage point can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.
If you suffered a slip and fall in Northern Colorado, your settlement might also involve a third-party claim. If a property owner's negligence caused your work injury (e.g., you were making a delivery and slipped on ice), you can pursue both workers' comp AND a personal injury lawsuit.
While workers' comp is "no-fault," it is also "limited-recovery." A third-party suit can unlock damages for pain and suffering that workers' comp specifically excludes.
The most critical step in a Colorado back injury case is the Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) finding. Once a doctor says you are "as good as you're going to get," the insurer will try to close your case with a final payment.
Before you sign anything: