How much is a knee injury worth in Ohio workers' comp?
There is no fixed dollar amount for a knee injury in Ohio. Ohio's scheduled loss applies only to loss or loss of use of the leg (200 weeks). Knee impairment short of that may instead be paid as a percentage permanent partial (%PP) award: % × 200 weeks at the lower %PP weekly maximum. Below: the exact rule, the 2026 weekly maximum ($1,281) and what to ask for before you accept an offer.
How a knee injury is paid in Ohio
Ohio's scheduled loss applies only to loss or loss of use of the leg (200 weeks). Knee impairment short of that may instead be paid as a percentage permanent partial (%PP) award: % × 200 weeks at the lower %PP weekly maximum.
General rule for permanent injuries in Ohio: percentage of permanent partial disability × 200 weeks at 66 2/3% of AWW, max one-third of the state average weekly wage.
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.
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.
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.
Ohio vs. neighboring states
| State | How a knee injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Indiana | 45 degrees (as the leg) | $110,475 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Michigan | wage loss | — |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — |
| West Virginia | 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 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 is a knee injury paid in Ohio workers' comp?
Ohio's scheduled loss applies only to loss or loss of use of the leg (200 weeks). Knee impairment short of that may instead be paid as a percentage permanent partial (%PP) award: % × 200 weeks at the lower %PP weekly maximum.
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). 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.