How much is an eye injury worth in Michigan workers' comp?
In Michigan, an eye injury is worth up to $194,562 for total loss (162 weeks, at the $1,201 weekly maximum). Michigan pays this award only for amputation or total loss of use; with a $1,200 after-tax weekly wage, it is $155,520. 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 Michigan
Each week is paid at 80% of your average weekly wage after taxes (spendable earnings), up to $1,201 a week.
Michigan pays scheduled awards only for amputation or total (permanent) loss of use. Partial loss of use is paid through wage-loss benefits instead.
What is different in Michigan
Michigan has no impairment-rating PPD award: the specific-loss schedule pays a fixed number of weeks at the weekly comp rate for amputation or loss of use of listed members, and everything else is paid only as wage-loss benefits.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 after-tax weekly wage | $1,200 after-tax weekly wage | $1,600 after-tax weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% loss of use | $103,680 | $155,520 | $194,562 |
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.
Michigan vs. neighboring states
| State | How an eye injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 162 weeks | $194,562 |
| Indiana | 35 degrees | $74,625 |
| Ohio | 125 weeks | $160,125 |
| 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 Michigan
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 80% of after-tax (spendable) AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,201 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No general minimum (minimums apply only to specific loss and death claims) - secondary |
| Waiting period | Not confirmed |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| 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 Michigan workers' comp?
Michigan sets 162 weeks for total loss, up to $194,562 at the top weekly rate.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for an eye injury in Michigan?
Michigan does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating. 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 Michigan in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,201 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Which law sets these amounts?
MCL 418.301, 418.311, 418.355, 418.361; MCL 418.301, 418.361. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Michigan
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: MCL 418.301, 418.311, 418.355, 418.361; MCL 418.301, 418.361
- Workers' Disability Compensation Agency (official site)
- michigan.gov/leo/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/Documents/WDCA-Calculation-Program/wca_2026_
- legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-418-301
- legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-418-355
- codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-418-workers-disability-compensation/mi-comp-laws-418-361/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Michigan 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.