How much is a knee injury worth in Iowa workers' comp?
In Iowa, a knee injury is worth up to $492,140 for total loss (220 weeks, as the leg, at the $2,431 weekly maximum). With 25% loss of use and a $1,200 after-tax weekly wage, the award is about $52,800. 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 Iowa
Rated as partial loss of use of the leg (220 weeks).
Each week is paid at 80% of your average weekly wage after taxes (spendable earnings), up to $2,237 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 55 weeks.
What is different in Iowa
Iowa gives the shoulder its own 400-week schedule. PPD begins when maximum medical improvement is medically indicated.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 after-tax weekly wage | $1,200 after-tax weekly wage | $1,600 after-tax weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $14,080 | $21,120 | $28,160 |
| 25% loss of use | $35,200 | $52,800 | $70,400 |
| 50% loss of use | $70,400 | $105,600 | $140,800 |
| 100% loss of use | $140,800 | $211,200 | $281,600 |
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.
Iowa vs. neighboring states
| State | How a knee injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 220 weeks (as the leg) | $492,140 |
| Illinois | 215 weeks (as the leg) | $233,202 |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Missouri | 160 weeks | $108,509 |
| Nebraska | 215 weeks (as the leg) | $250,690 |
| South Dakota | 160 weeks (as the leg) | $184,320 |
| Wisconsin | 425 weeks | $192,950 |
"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 Iowa
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 80% of the worker's weekly spendable (after-tax) earnings |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $2,431 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (prior: $2,350 for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | Lesser of the benefit for an employee earning 35% of state AWW, or the worker's actual spendable weekly earnings ($ amount for FY27 not confirmed) |
| 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 a knee injury worth in Iowa workers' comp?
Iowa sets 220 weeks, as the leg for total loss, up to $492,140 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 after-tax weekly wage, about $52,800.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a knee injury in Iowa?
Iowa 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 after-tax weekly wage, about $52,800. 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 Iowa in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $2,431.
Is there a waiting period in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa 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?
Iowa Code 85.32 (waiting period), 85.33 (TTD/TPD), 85.34 (PPD schedule), 85.36 (spendable earnings), 85.37 (max/min); Iowa Code 85.34(2) (schedule incl. shoulder; paragraph v for other cases). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Iowa
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Iowa Code 85.32 (waiting period), 85.33 (TTD/TPD), 85.34 (PPD schedule), 85.36 (spendable earnings), 85.37 (max/min); Iowa Code 85.34(2) (schedule incl. shoulder; paragraph v for other cases)
- Workers' Compensation Division, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (official site)
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/85.32.pdf
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/85.33.pdf
- law.justia.com/codes/iowa/title-iii/chapter-85/section-85-37/
- codes.findlaw.com/ia/title-iii-public-services-and-regulation-chs-80-122c/ia-code-sect-85-
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/85.34.pdf
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Iowa 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.