How much is a back injury worth in Ohio workers' comp?
In Ohio, a back injury is paid by the whole-person impairment rating your doctor gives. A 10% rating is worth about $8,540; with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $8,540. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How a back injury is paid in Ohio
Not scheduled; paid as a percentage permanent partial (%PP) award: % × 200 weeks at the lower %PP weekly max.
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $427 a week.
What is different in Ohio
Ohio has two separate PPD awards that can both be paid: a %PP award (percentage × 200 weeks, capped at one-third of the SAWW per week) and scheduled loss awards for loss or loss of use of listed body parts, paid at the higher rate.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% whole-person rating | $4,270 | $4,270 | $4,270 |
| 10% whole-person rating | $8,540 | $8,540 | $8,540 |
| 15% whole-person rating | $12,810 | $12,810 | $12,810 |
| 25% whole-person rating | $21,350 | $21,350 | $21,350 |
Calculate your back 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.
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.
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 Ohio
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 72% of full weekly wage for first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,281 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (injuries in 2026)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $427 (1/3 SAWW), or actual wage if lower |
| Waiting period | 7 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.
Ohio pays 72% of the full weekly wage for the first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of the average weekly wage.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a back injury worth in Ohio workers' comp?
It depends on your doctor's whole-person impairment rating. A 10% rating is worth about $8,540; with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $8,540.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a back injury in Ohio?
Ohio does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $8,540. 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 Ohio in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,281 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31, injuries in 2026).
Is there a waiting period in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Ohio Rev. Code §4123.55 (waiting week), §4123.56 (TT), §4123.57 (PP and scheduled loss); Ohio Rev. Code §4123.57(A) (%PP), §4123.57(B) (scheduled loss). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Ohio
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code §4123.55 (waiting week), §4123.56 (TT), §4123.57 (PP and scheduled loss); Ohio Rev. Code §4123.57(A) (%PP), §4123.57(B) (scheduled loss)
- Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (official site)
- dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/info.bwc.ohio.gov/Workers/CompRates.pdf
- codes.findlaw.com/oh/title-xli-labor-and-industry/oh-rev-code-sect-4123-55/
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4123.57
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Ohio 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.