Costs

Data in the graphs on this page are from the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) Workers Compensation Statistical Plan database*, which reflects claims on workers’ compensation insurance policies in states where NCCI collects such data. The unit statistical data were valued at the latest report available to NCCI as of 10/15/2026. The average cost for all claims combined for accidents that occurred in 2023-2024 was $50,076.

Visit NCCI to learn more about the meaningful differences in claim frequency within specific industries or states/jurisdictions where the injury occurs.

Cause of injury

According to NCCI data, the most costly lost-time workers’ compensation claims by cause of injury result from motor-vehicle crashes, averaging $93,105 per workers’ compensation claim that occurred in 2023 and 2024. The only other causes with above-average costs were burns ($62,261), falls or slips ($57,314) and caught ($51,719).

Nature of injury

The most costly lost-time workers’ compensation claims by nature of injury are for those resulting from amputation. These injuries averaged $149,543 per workers’ compensation claim that occurred in 2023 and 2024. The next highest costs were for other trauma ($71,788); from injuries resulting in fracture, crush, or dislocation ($69,576); and from burns ($57,867).

Part of body

The most costly lost-time workers’ compensation claims by part of body are for those involving the head or central nervous system. These injuries averaged $97,603 per claim that occurred in 2023 and 2024. The next highest costs were for injuries involving multiple body parts ($82,346) and the neck ($75,304). Injuries to the hip, thigh, and pelvis ($69,443); to the leg ($67,542); and to the arm or shoulders ($57,621) also had above-average costs.

* NCCI makes no representations or warranties of any kind nor assumes any responsibility for the accuracy of the underlying data or any third-party use of the data on this page.