When it comes to workers’ compensation, the type of injury sustained at work directly affects how much a claim will cost—sometimes dramatically. New analysis from Bader Law using data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) reveals that claims involving head injuries and the central nervous system come with the highest financial burden, far outpacing damage to limbs, joints, or soft tissue.
This disparity underscores how critical it is for employers to understand which injuries pose the biggest risks to their budget and why those body parts lead to such costly outcomes.
The Hidden Toll of Head and Nervous System Trauma
Head injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), represent the highest average claim cost, totaling $91,844. These cases often stem from falls, falling objects, or direct collisions with machinery. According to Bader Law’s findings, it’s not just the medical treatment that drives these expenses—it’s the long recovery, potential disability, and long-term care that follow.
Injuries to the central nervous system are equally damaging. Spinal cord injuries, nerve trauma, and neurological complications can permanently alter a worker’s capabilities. These types of cases often require surgery, neurological assessments, rehabilitation, and disability payments. The psychological impact and loss of income compound the financial strain, making these claims among the most difficult to resolve.
Multi-Body Injuries: When One Accident Affects Everything
In second place for cost are injuries that affect multiple body parts, with an average claim of $71,645. These cases typically arise from high-impact events, such as machinery accidents or falls from significant heights, which can cause simultaneous damage to the head, spine, arms, and legs.
Treating such injuries involves multiple specialists, rehabilitation regimens, and coordination across several areas of medical care. Legal teams often need to track each component of recovery closely, leading to higher administrative and legal expenses.
Neck, Hip, and Leg Injuries: More Than Just Mobility
Neck injuries average $68,021 per claim and can lead to lasting mobility issues. Many cases involve chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and extended physical therapy. Workers in roles requiring lifting, turning, or extended standing often experience significant limitations post-injury.
Hip and pelvis injuries rank next at $62,110 per claim. These areas are essential to movement, and damage here can interfere with everything from walking to basic balance. They are particularly common in construction and warehouse settings, where uneven surfaces or equipment mishandling often cause slips and impacts.
Leg injuries, with an average claim of $59,994, are often underestimated. Damage to bones, ligaments, or joints in the lower extremities can leave workers unable to return to physically demanding roles. The economic impact of lost wages and retraining contributes to higher overall claim values.
Arm and Shoulder Injuries: A Silent Budget Killer
The average workers’ compensation claim for arm or shoulder injuries is $51,750. Though these cases appear less severe, they often take a long time to heal and significantly affect productivity. For workers in manufacturing or logistics, a shoulder injury can mean extended time off, restrictions on movement, or permanent job reassignment.
Surgery to correct rotator cuff tears, joint instability, or nerve compression adds complexity to these cases. Even after medical treatment, many workers require occupational therapy and accommodations, which add indirect costs to employers and insurers.
Legal Complexity and Cost Drivers
Bader Law points out that certain factors repeatedly raise claim costs across all injury types. These include:
- Delays in diagnosis or initial treatment
- Disputes over injury severity and liability
- Pre-existing conditions that complicate recovery
- Lengthy legal proceedings and expert medical testimony
These elements are especially prominent in cases involving head and CNS injuries, which often enter prolonged negotiations and may involve multiple insurance carriers.
Reducing Exposure Through Proactive Measures
Employers hoping to minimize claims must consider targeted interventions. Bader Law recommends:
- Investing in protective equipment and monitoring compliance
- Offering training in injury prevention tailored to job roles
- Conducting risk assessments of tasks and workflows
- Encouraging early reporting and supporting injured workers through claims
By focusing safety protocols on the areas of greatest financial exposure, businesses can reduce accidents and lessen the long-term burden of compensation.
Conclusion
The body part injured in a workplace accident determines more than just treatment—it shapes the financial, legal, and operational consequences. With head and central nervous system injuries topping the chart, followed by multi-body and mobility-related trauma, it becomes clear why strategic safety investments and informed legal counsel matter. Bader Law continues to guide employers and workers through these complex cases, shedding light on how anatomy and accident intersect to drive costs.
