How much is a knee injury worth in South Carolina workers' comp?
In South Carolina, a knee injury is worth up to $232,038 for total loss (195 weeks, as the leg, at the $1,189.94 weekly maximum). With 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, the award is about $39,000. 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 South Carolina
No knee-specific entry; rated as partial loss of use of the leg (195 weeks).
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,189.94 a week, with a minimum of $75 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
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 48.75 weeks.
What is different in South Carolina
Back injuries are scheduled at 300 weeks, but a back loss of use of 50% or more is rated against 500 weeks and presumed to be permanent total disability (rebuttable). A worker may instead be paid wage-loss partial disability (66.67% of lost earnings) for up to 340 weeks.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $10,400 | $15,600 | $20,800 |
| 25% loss of use | $26,000 | $39,000 | $52,000 |
| 50% loss of use | $52,000 | $78,000 | $104,000 |
| 100% loss of use | $104,000 | $156,000 | $208,000 |
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.
South Carolina vs. neighboring states
| State | How a knee injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 195 weeks (as the leg) | $232,038 |
| Georgia | 225 weeks (as the leg) | $180,000 |
| North Carolina | 200 weeks (as the leg) | $289,200 |
"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 South Carolina
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,189.94 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (calendar year; based on SC average weekly wage for FY ending 2025-06-30)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $75/week, or the worker's full AWW if AWW is below $75 |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 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 South Carolina workers' comp?
South Carolina sets 195 weeks, as the leg for total loss, up to $232,038 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 weekly wage, about $39,000.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a knee injury in South Carolina?
South Carolina 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 weekly wage, about $39,000. 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 South Carolina in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,189.94.
Is there a waiting period in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina 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?
S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-9-10, 42-9-20, 42-9-30, 42-9-200; S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-9-20, 42-9-30(21)-(22). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in South Carolina
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-9-10, 42-9-20, 42-9-30, 42-9-200; S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-9-20, 42-9-30(21)-(22)
- South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- wcc.sc.gov/sites/wcc/files/Documents/Update.News/Advisory%20Notice/Advisory%20Notice_Updat
- wcc.sc.gov/news/2025-12/commission-approves-2026-maximum-weekly-compensation-rate
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t42c009.php
- law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-42/chapter-9/section-42-9-30/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the South Carolina 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.