How much is a hand injury worth in Wisconsin workers' comp?
In Wisconsin, a hand injury is worth up to $181,600 for total loss (400 weeks). With 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, the award is about $45,400. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How a hand injury is paid in Wisconsin
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $454 a week.
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 100 weeks.
What is different in Wisconsin
Back, neck and other unscheduled injuries are rated against 1,000 weeks, and loss of earning capacity can be added on top. If the worker goes back to the same employer, the award is limited to physical impairment unless the actual wage loss is 15% or more.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $18,160 | $18,160 | $18,160 |
| 25% loss of use | $45,400 | $45,400 | $45,400 |
| 50% loss of use | $90,800 | $90,800 | $90,800 |
| 100% loss of use | $181,600 | $181,600 | $181,600 |
Calculate your hand 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.
Hand injuries: document function and the affected member
Identify whether the report rates the entire hand, individual digits or an upper extremity. Keep findings about grip, sensation and dexterity, plus restrictions on tools or repetitive tasks. An isolated finger award and a hand award may follow different rules; this page does not calculate combinations of injuries.
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.
Wisconsin vs. neighboring states
| State | How a hand injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 400 weeks | $181,600 |
| Illinois | 205 weeks | $222,355 |
| Iowa | 190 weeks | $425,030 |
| Michigan | 215 weeks | $258,215 |
| Minnesota | 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 Wisconsin
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,375 (Injuries on/after 2026-01-01 (calendar year 2026; max weekly wage $2,062.50)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 7 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a hand injury worth in Wisconsin workers' comp?
Wisconsin sets 400 weeks for total loss, up to $181,600. A partial loss is paid in proportion to your doctor's rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $45,400.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a hand injury in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin 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 $45,400. 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 Wisconsin in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,375.
Is there a waiting period in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 7 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Wis. Stat. §§ 102.43, 102.44, 102.52, 102.55; 2025 Wisconsin Act 145; Wis. Stat. §§ 102.44(3), (6), 102.52. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Wisconsin
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Wis. Stat. §§ 102.43, 102.44, 102.52, 102.55; 2025 Wisconsin Act 145; Wis. Stat. §§ 102.44(3), (6), 102.52
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Worker's Compensation (official site)
- dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/letters/insurance/ins-letter-549.htm
- dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/wc/WKC-9572-P.pdf
- dwd.wi.gov/wc/legal/pls-2026-ammendments.htm
- law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-102/section-102-52
- law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-102/section-102-44/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Wisconsin 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.