How much is a knee injury worth in Indiana workers' comp?
In Indiana, a knee injury is worth up to $110,475 for total loss (45 degrees, as the leg). With 25% loss of use, the award is about $22,446. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How a knee injury is paid in Indiana
Loss of the leg above the knee is 45 degrees (below the knee 35 degrees); partial loss of use is paid proportionally.
Indiana pays a set amount per degree of impairment for injuries after June 30, 2026: $1,970 for degrees 1–10, $2,197 for 11–35, $3,585 for 36–50 and $4,569 for 51 and up.
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.
Worked examples
In Indiana this award does not depend on your wage.
| Rating | Award |
|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,865 |
| 25% loss of use | $22,446.25 |
| 50% loss of use | $47,162.50 |
| 100% loss of use | $110,475 |
Calculate your knee 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.
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.
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.
Indiana vs. neighboring states
| State | How a knee injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 45 degrees (as the leg) | $110,475 |
| Illinois | 215 weeks (as the leg) | $233,202 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Michigan | wage loss | — |
| Ohio | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
"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 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 much is a knee injury worth in Indiana workers' comp?
Indiana sets 45 degrees, as the leg for total loss, up to $110,475. A partial loss is paid in proportion to your doctor's rating: with 25% loss of use, about $22,446.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a knee injury in Indiana?
Indiana does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: with 25% loss of use, about $22,446. 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 Indiana in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $877.33.
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); IC 22-3-3-10. 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.