How much is an eye injury worth in Illinois workers' comp?
In Illinois, an eye injury is worth up to $186,562 for total loss (172 weeks, at the $2,045.63 weekly maximum). With 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, the award is about $30,960. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How an eye injury is paid in Illinois
Each week is paid at 60% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,084.66 a week.
If your doctor rates a partial loss of use, the award is generally that percentage of the scheduled weeks. A 25% rating works out to 43 weeks.
What is different in Illinois
Instead of a percentage award, a worker who cannot return to the same occupation can seek a wage-differential award under 8(d)1; for injuries after 1 September 2011 it lasts until age 67 or 5 years after the award becomes final, whichever is later.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,256 | $12,384 | $16,512 |
| 25% loss of use | $20,640 | $30,960 | $41,280 |
| 50% loss of use | $41,280 | $61,920 | $82,560 |
| 100% loss of use | $82,560 | $123,840 | $165,120 |
Calculate your eye award
Compare only the same benefit component on the same gross basis. If an offer includes medical care, temporary benefits or other rights, do not enter it here. The balance subtracts payments for this same benefit only, not fees or other offsets.
The result is the statutory permanent award only. Medical care, temporary benefits and fees are not included. Use the exact rating from the medical report: a body-part rating and a whole-person rating are not interchangeable.
Eye injuries: confirm one eye, both eyes and the vision measure
Obtain the ophthalmology report and ask how corrected vision and other lasting visual effects were measured for the rating. One-eye and two-eye losses are different scenarios. The figure on this page is not a valuation of every kind of vision problem or a combined award for both eyes.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The statutory benefit described here and a settlement value are different figures. Request an itemized proposal identifying the benefits included, amounts already paid, deductions, future medical treatment and rights being resolved. Which benefits can be settled and what approval is required depend on state rules. This page does not calculate future medical costs or predict a negotiated outcome.
Illinois vs. neighboring states
| State | How an eye injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 172 weeks | $186,562 |
| Indiana | 35 degrees | $74,625 |
| Iowa | 140 weeks | $313,180 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Missouri | 140 weeks | $94,945 |
| Wisconsin | 275 weeks | $124,850 |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in Illinois
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $2,045.63 (2026-07-15 to 2027-01-14 (prior: $2,008.60 for 2026-01-15 to 2026-07-14; $1,974.73 for 2025-07-15 to 2026-01-14)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | Lesser of AWW or $400 (0 dependents), $460 (1), $520 (2), $580 (3), $600 (4+); based on 66.67% of $15 x 40 hrs |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an eye injury worth in Illinois workers' comp?
Illinois sets 172 weeks for total loss, up to $186,562 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid in proportion to your doctor's rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $30,960.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for an eye injury in Illinois?
Illinois does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $30,960. A settlement can be higher or lower depending on future medical care, disputed ratings and which other benefits it closes.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Illinois in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $2,045.63.
Is there a waiting period in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
820 ILCS 305/8(b) (TTD), 305/8(d) and 305/8(e) (PPD schedule), 305/8.1b; 820 ILCS 305/8(d)1, 8(d)2, 8(e), 8.1b. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Illinois
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: 820 ILCS 305/8(b) (TTD), 305/8(d) and 305/8(e) (PPD schedule), 305/8.1b; 820 ILCS 305/8(d)1, 8(d)2, 8(e), 8.1b
- Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- iwcc.illinois.gov/resources/resources-for/benefits.html
- ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/082003050K8.htm
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Illinois workers' compensation agency.
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.