Workers' Comp Settlement for a Knee Injury by State (2026)
How all 50 states and D.C. pay for a knee injury. 28 states pay a fixed schedule, from $44,000 in Alabama to $533,396 in District of Columbia for total loss at the top weekly rate. 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 288 weeks (as the leg) | $533,396 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Iowa | 220 weeks (as the leg) | $492,140 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New York | 288 weeks (as the leg) | $369,072 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Hawaii | 288 weeks (as the leg) | $357,120 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New Hampshire | 140 weeks (as the leg) | $325,220 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| North Carolina | 200 weeks (as the leg) | $289,200 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Connecticut | 155 weeks | $182,125 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Virginia | 175 weeks (as the leg) | $263,727 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Nebraska | 215 weeks (as the leg) | $250,690 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Delaware | 250 weeks (as the leg) | $240,680 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Illinois | 215 weeks (as the leg) | $233,202 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| South Carolina | 195 weeks (as the leg) | $232,038 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Wisconsin | 425 weeks | $192,950 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| South Dakota | 160 weeks (as the leg) | $184,320 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Kansas | 200 weeks (as the leg) | $181,000 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Georgia | 225 weeks (as the leg) | $180,000 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New Mexico | 150 weeks | $171,999 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Arizona | 50 months (as the leg) | $168,603 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Louisiana | 175 weeks (as the leg) | $158,025 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Arkansas | 184 weeks | $131,560 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Idaho | 200 weeks (as the leg) | $124,850 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Indiana | 45 degrees (as the leg) | $110,475 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Missouri | 160 weeks | $108,509 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Oklahoma | 275 weeks | $103,125 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Utah | 112 weeks | $102,704 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Massachusetts | 39 × the state average weekly wage (as the leg) | $78,280.80 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Rhode Island | 312 weeks | $56,160 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Alabama | 200 weeks (as the leg) | $44,000 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Vermont | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $60,885 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Alaska | whole-person % × $273,000 | $27,300 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 |
| Florida | whole-person %, 2–6 weeks per point | $20,370 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| California | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Colorado | 208 weeks (as the leg) | — | No comparable amount |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Maine | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Maryland | 300 weeks (as the leg) | — | No comparable amount |
| Michigan | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Mississippi | 175 weeks (as the leg) | — | No comparable amount |
| Montana | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Nevada | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| New Jersey | 315 weeks (as the leg) | — | No comparable amount |
| North Dakota | a multiplier of 234 (as the leg) | — | No comparable amount |
| Ohio | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Oregon | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Washington | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| West Virginia | 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.
Knee injuries: confirm whether the rating is for the leg
For a meniscus tear, ligament injury or knee replacement, obtain the final rating report and any restrictions on standing, kneeling and walking. Confirm the body part to which the percentage applies. If the rule uses a leg schedule, the calculation needs the applicable leg loss-of-use rating, not a guessed percentage based on the procedure.
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.