Many Keene workers start with an estimate because it feels practical—especially when bills are piling up and you’re trying to plan around reduced income.
But calculators often assume your situation is “average.” In real Keene files, outcomes can swing based on factors that a tool can’t reliably measure, such as:
- Whether your medical restrictions are consistent across visits (and clearly tied to functional limits)
- How quickly the injury was reported and documented after a workplace event
- Whether there’s competing evidence about causation (common in cases involving repetitive strain, aggravations, or preexisting symptoms)
- How your wage history is documented—particularly when shifts, overtime, or variable hours are involved
When those details aren’t captured, an estimate may look reasonable while still steering you in the wrong direction.


