Free Kentucky workers comp settlement calculator for 2026. Kentucky uses PPD multipliers (2x/3x) based on return-to-work status and underwent major reform in 2018 with HB 2.
This site is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, an individual based in Adiyaman, Turkiye. The operator is NOT a licensed attorney, NOT a law firm, and does NOT provide legal advice. This page is informational research compiled from public statutes, agency guidance, and legal-education sources. Verify current law with the official state publisher and consult a licensed attorney in Kentucky.
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No fake verdicts, invented averages, or testimonials. Dollar examples are hypothetical only. Verify rates with Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims.
Kentucky workers' compensation underwent major reform in 2018 when House Bill 2 tightened occupational disease definitions, added mandatory drug testing, and changed the burden of proof for certain injury types. Kentucky uses a PPD multiplier system that doubles or triples benefits for workers who do not return to pre-injury employment: the standard PPD benefit can be multiplied by 2 or 3 depending on the worker's return-to-work status and impairment severity. This makes PPD valuation in Kentucky more variable than flat-schedule states.
| Rule | Kentucky (KY) |
|---|---|
| TTD rate | 66 2/3% of AWW |
| Max weekly formula | 100% of SAWW |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Retroactive threshold | 14 days / 2 weeks (if disability exceeds 2 weeks, first 7 days compensated) |
| Statute of limitations | 2 years from injury or last voluntary payment |
| Notice | As soon as practicable; employer must provide Notice of Designated Physician form within 10 days |
| System | Administrative (ALJs under Department of Workers' Claims) |
| Settlement approval | ALJ approval required; lump-sum or structured; reopening within 4 years for worsening |
| Doctor choice | Employer designates physician via Notice form (within 10 days of claim) |
| Coverage threshold | 1+ employees |
| Governing law | KRS Chapter 342 |
| Notable rule | 2x and 3x PPD multipliers based on return-to-work status. HB 2 (2018) tightened occupational disease definitions and added mandatory drug testing with rebuttable presumption. |
Under KRS 342.730, TTD pays 66 2/3 percent of the average weekly wage, capped at 100 percent of SAWW (FindLaw confirmed 66 2/3%). The 7-day waiting period (FindLaw confirmed) with a 14-day retroactive threshold (FindLaw: "compensation for first week only applies if disability lasts more than 2 weeks") is standard. The employer must provide a Notice of Designated Physician form within 10 days (FindLaw confirmed).
TTD continues until MMI, return to work, or ALJ determination. Refusal of reasonable medical treatment may suspend TTD. The average weekly wage is calculated from the 13 weeks of highest earnings in the preceding 52 weeks.
Scheduled weeks for permanent partial disability. Verify with Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims.
| Body part | Weeks |
|---|---|
| Thumb | 60 |
| Index finger | 35 |
| Middle finger | 30 |
| Ring finger | 25 |
| Little finger | 20 |
| Hand | 150 |
| Arm | 200 |
| Great toe | 30 |
| Foot | 125 |
| Leg | 175 |
| Eye | 100 |
| Hearing (one ear) | 50 |
| Hearing (both) | 150 |
Educational estimate only. Verify rates with Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims.
KRS 342.730(1)(c) provides that the base PPD benefit (66 2/3% of AWW times impairment percentage) is multiplied by a factor depending on return-to-work status. If the worker returns at the same or greater wage, the base stands. If the worker does not return at the same or greater wage, the benefit is multiplied by 2 (for certain impairment levels) or 3 (for higher ratings or inability to return to any work).
This means a worker with the same impairment rating can receive 2 or 3 times the PPD benefits depending on employment outcomes, making Kentucky settlements more variable than flat-schedule states.
HB 2 introduced: (1) narrowed occupational disease definitions requiring "primary cause" proof, (2) mandatory workplace drug testing at hire with a rebuttable presumption against intoxicated workers, (3) limits on hearing loss claims from gradual exposure. These changes created new employer defenses.
Kentucky has special provisions under KRS 342.732 for black lung, including presumptions based on years of coal dust exposure. HB 2 modified some presumptions, making it more difficult for miners with fewer years of exposure to qualify. The 30-day appeal period after ALJ decision (FindLaw confirmed) governs all claim types.
Settlements require ALJ approval (FindLaw confirmed 2-year SOL). A distinctive feature is the reopening provision: a worker can petition to reopen within 4 years if the condition worsens. Many insurers negotiate reopening waivers, and the ALJ must confirm the waiver is knowing and voluntary. Settlements can be lump-sum or structured.
The reopening provision creates an important strategic consideration in Kentucky settlement negotiations. A worker who accepts a full settlement with a reopening waiver gives up the right to additional benefits if the condition deteriorates within 4 years. Workers with progressive conditions (degenerative disc disease, gradual hearing loss, developing arthritis at the injury site) should carefully evaluate whether waiving reopening rights is appropriate. The settlement amount should reflect the risk of future deterioration if reopening is waived.
Within 10 days of injury notice, the employer must provide a Notice of Designated Physician form (FindLaw confirmed). The worker is directed to this physician. If the employer fails to provide the form within 10 days, the worker may choose any physician at the employer's expense. The designated physician's impairment rating heavily influences the multiplier calculation.
The 10-day deadline is strictly enforced. Employers who miss the deadline lose control over the physician selection, which can result in significantly different impairment ratings and multiplier outcomes. Workers should document the date they reported the injury and the date (if any) they received the designated physician form. If no form is received within 10 days, the worker should begin documenting their independent physician selection to establish a clean record for the multiplier calculation.
Base PPD is multiplied by 2x or 3x if the worker does not return to employment at the same or greater wage, under KRS 342.730(1)(c).
Narrowed occupational disease to 'primary cause' proof, added mandatory drug testing with rebuttable presumption, and limited certain hearing loss claims.
Yes, within 4 years of the original award if the condition worsens. Reopening waivers are common in settlement negotiations.
Seven days. Retroactive after 2 weeks (14 days) of disability.
Special provisions under KRS 342.732 include presumptions based on years of coal dust exposure. HB 2 modified some of these.
You may choose your own physician at the employer's expense.
No. SettlementCalculator.xyz is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, a non-attorney individual operator. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney.
Contact the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims. Rates are updated annually based on SAWW.