How much is a back injury worth in Texas workers' comp?
Texas rates by injury date
The injury date determines the maximum/minimum rate table, not the payment date or the date you read this page. Static examples on this page use the latest period; the selector changes the calculator results.
| Injury date | TIBs maximum | IIBs maximum | TIBs / IIBs minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 – 2027-09-30 | $1,314 / week | $920 / week | $197 / week |
| 2025-10-01 – 2026-09-30 | $1,271 / week | $890 / week | $191 / week |
Official TDI maximum and minimum benefit table. Texas rates checked October 12, 2026.
In Texas, a back injury is paid by the whole-person impairment rating your doctor gives. A 10% rating at the top weekly rate is worth about $27,600; with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $25,200. 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 Texas
Rated as a whole-body impairment: 3 weeks of IIBs per percentage point.
Each week is paid at 70% of your average weekly wage, up to $920 a week, with a minimum of $197 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
What is different in Texas
Texas has no body-part schedule: IIBs start the day after maximum medical improvement and pay 3 weeks per impairment point. Workers rated 15% or more who have not returned to work, or earn less than 80% of their AWW because of the impairment, can get Supplemental Income Benefits, unless they commuted part of their IIBs.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% whole-person rating | $8,400 | $12,600 | $13,800 |
| 10% whole-person rating | $16,800 | $25,200 | $27,600 |
| 15% whole-person rating | $25,200 | $37,800 | $41,400 |
| 25% whole-person rating | $42,000 | $63,000 | $69,000 |
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
In Texas, an income-benefit dispute settlement must meet DWC requirements and receive approval. It cannot limit or terminate your right to medical benefits. This calculator estimates IIBs from the certified rating; it does not price a medical buyout or a complete settlement. Review benefits already paid, benefits still due and disputed issues separately. Official DWC settlement guidance.
While you recover: temporary disability in Texas
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 70% of AWW (75% for the first 26 weeks if pre-injury wage was under $8.50/hour); TIBs are 70% of the difference between AWW and post-injury earnings |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,314 (2026-10-01 to 2027-09-30 (FY 2027; SAWW $1,314.32)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $197/week (15% of SAWW, FY 2027) |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 104 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 back injury worth in Texas workers' comp?
It depends on your doctor's whole-person impairment rating. A 10% rating at the top weekly rate is worth about $27,600; with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $25,200.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a back injury in Texas?
Texas 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 $25,200. 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 Texas in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,314.
Is there a waiting period in Texas?
Yes. Texas 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?
Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.061, 408.062, 408.082, 408.101-408.105, 408.121-408.123, 408.141 et seq.; 28 TAC §§ 129.1-129.11; Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.121, 408.142. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Texas
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.061, 408.062, 408.082, 408.101-408.105, 408.121-408.123, 408.141 et seq.; 28 TAC §§ 129.1-129.11; Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.121, 408.142
- Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (official site)
- tdi.texas.gov/wc/employee/benefits.html
- capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/83R/handouts/C0402013021910301/a2e8968d-00b9-4dff-91da-86263c910
- law.justia.com/codes/texas/labor-code/title-5/subtitle-a/chapter-408/subchapter-g/section-
- law.justia.com/codes/texas/labor-code/title-5/subtitle-a/chapter-408/subchapter-h/section-
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Texas 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.