How much is a back injury worth in Indiana workers' comp?
There is no fixed dollar amount for a back injury in Indiana. No back entry; paid in degrees of impairment under the 'all other cases' provision (up to 100 degrees) at the board's discretion. Below: the exact rule, the 2026 weekly maximum ($877.33) and what to ask for before you accept an offer.
How a back injury is paid in Indiana
No back entry; paid in degrees of impairment under the 'all other cases' provision (up to 100 degrees) at the board's discretion.
General rule for permanent injuries in Indiana: permanent partial impairment in degrees (up to 100 degrees for 'all other cases'), paid at the statutory dollar value per degree, which rises in tiers (1-10, 11-35, 36-50, 51+).
What is different in Indiana
Indiana does not pay PPD in weeks: each degree of impairment has a fixed dollar value, and higher-degree bands pay more per degree. Total loss of use of a member counts the same as amputation.
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.
How to check an offer when there is no fixed figure
This page cannot reliably estimate a permanent award from the injury name and wage alone. The state rule above identifies whether lost earnings, a special rating method or another category applies. To check an offer, request the calculation used, injury date, accepted wage, applicable rating and benefits still outstanding. The weekly calculator below estimates only temporary total disability under its assumptions; it does not value the settlement. See the state benefit overview.
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.
While you recover: temporary disability in Indiana
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $877.33 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (max AWW $1,316); for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30: max AWW $1,278 -> $852) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | AWW floor $75 -> $50/week (computed) |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 21 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 500 weeks |
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 is a back injury paid in Indiana workers' comp?
No back entry; paid in degrees of impairment under the 'all other cases' provision (up to 100 degrees) at the board's discretion.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Indiana in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $877.33 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (max AWW $1,316); for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30: max AWW $1,278 -> $852).
Is there a waiting period in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 21 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
IC 22-3-3-7 (waiting period), 22-3-3-8 (TTD), 22-3-3-10 (PPI degrees and $/degree), 22-3-3-22 / 22-3-7-19 (max AWW, max total $439,000). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Indiana
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: IC 22-3-3-7 (waiting period), 22-3-3-8 (TTD), 22-3-3-10 (PPI degrees and $/degree), 22-3-3-22 / 22-3-7-19 (max AWW, max total $439,000); IC 22-3-3-10
- Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana (official site)
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-7/section-22-3-7-19/
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-3/section-22-3-3-8/
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-3/section-22-3-3-7
- codes.findlaw.com/in/title-22-labor-and-safety/in-code-sect-22-3-3-10.html
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-3/section-22-3-3-10/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Indiana 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.