Workers' Comp Settlement for a Back Injury by State (2026)
How all 50 states and D.C. pay for a back injury. 5 states pay a fixed schedule, from $288,816 in Delaware to $808,150 in New Hampshire for total loss at the top weekly rate. 19 states pay it from a whole-person impairment rating; for those we show the award for a 10% rating.
| State | How it is paid | Illustrative benefit | Amount basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | whole-person % × 350 weeks | $81,305 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Connecticut | 374 weeks | $439,450 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| North Carolina | 300 weeks | $433,800 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| South Carolina | 300 weeks | $356,982 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Delaware | 300 weeks | $288,816 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Vermont | whole-person spine % × 550 weeks | $105,270 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $60,885 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| New Mexico | whole-person % × 500 weeks | $57,333 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Illinois | whole-person % × 500 weeks | $54,233 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Wisconsin | whole-person % × 1000 weeks | $45,400 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Hawaii | whole-person % × 312 weeks | $38,688 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Kansas | whole-person % × 415 weeks | $37,558 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| South Dakota | whole-person % × 312 weeks | $35,942 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| West Virginia | whole-person % × 400 weeks | $32,226 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Arkansas | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $32,175 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Idaho | whole-person % × 500 weeks | $31,212 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Alaska | whole-person % × $273,000 | $27,300 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Utah | whole-person % × 312 weeks | $28,610.40 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Missouri | whole-person % × 400 weeks | $27,127 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | $27,600 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Georgia | whole-person % × 300 weeks | $24,000 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Florida | whole-person %, 2–6 weeks per point | $20,370 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Oklahoma | whole-person % × 360 weeks | $13,500 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Ohio | whole-person % × 200 weeks | $8,540 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Alabama | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Arizona | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| California | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Colorado | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| District of Columbia | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Indiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Iowa | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Louisiana | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Maine | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Maryland | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Massachusetts | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Michigan | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Mississippi | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Montana | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Nebraska | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Nevada | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| New Jersey | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| New York | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| North Dakota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Oregon | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Rhode Island | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Virginia | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Washington | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Wyoming | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
Max award is for total loss on a schedule, or for a 10% rating where the state uses whole-person ratings, at the top weekly rate. "Whole-person %" means the award depends on your doctor's whole-person impairment rating. "Wage loss" means there is no rating-based award and benefits depend on lost earnings. Open each state for the full rule and a calculator.
Back injuries: information needed to value the claim
Separate the diagnosis (for example, a strain, disc injury or surgery) from the permanent rating. Ask for the medical report identifying the spinal region, any nerve involvement, lasting work restrictions and whether maximum medical improvement has been reached. A diagnosis or surgery alone is not a dollar amount.
What you need for a useful estimate
- Identify the state and injury date.
- Check whether the rule uses a body part, whole-person rating or lost earnings.
- Use the exact rating unit in the medical report and the accepted wage.
- Open the state guide to separate permanent benefits, temporary disability and settlement terms.
Total-loss amounts and 10% rating amounts are different scenarios, not comparable settlement averages. Table order does not show which state pays more for the same claim. Applicable law depends on the employment and injury circumstances; this comparison does not mean you can freely choose a state.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.