Many online tools are built on generic assumptions. That can be especially risky in a place like College Park where work injuries often intersect with fast-paced schedules and commutes—situations where symptoms may change, treatment may be delayed, or the “cause” becomes disputed.
Here are common reasons a calculator estimate may be off:
- Your wage details don’t match the tool’s wage model (overtime, shift differentials, or inconsistent hours).
- Your medical timeline is more complex than a typical scenario (for example, symptoms that evolve after the initial visit).
- The work connection is contested—not because you weren’t hurt, but because the insurer questions causation or the accuracy of early reporting.
- Your claim may involve disputed permanency or restrictions, which often changes what’s negotiable.
A calculator can be a starting point for questions—but it shouldn’t be the basis for decisions like accepting an early offer or delaying treatment.


