How much is a leg injury worth in Illinois workers' comp?
Illinois pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for a leg injury: the law sets total loss at 215 weeks.
How a leg injury is paid in Illinois
Each week is paid at 60% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,084.66 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 53.75 weeks.
What is different in Illinois
Instead of a percentage award, a worker who cannot return to the same occupation can seek a wage-differential award under 8(d)1; for injuries after 1 September 2011 it lasts until age 67 or 5 years after the award becomes final, whichever is later.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $10,320 | $15,480 | $20,640 |
| 25% loss of use | $25,800 | $38,700 | $51,600 |
| 50% loss of use | $51,600 | $77,400 | $103,200 |
| 100% loss of use | $103,200 | $154,800 | $206,400 |
Calculate your leg award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Illinois law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for a leg injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Illinois vs. neighboring states
| State | How a leg injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 215 weeks | $233,202 |
| Indiana | 45 degrees | $110,475 |
| Iowa | 220 weeks | $492,140 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Missouri | 207 weeks | $140,383 |
| Wisconsin | 500 weeks | $227,000 |
"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 Illinois
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $2,045.63 (2026-07-15 to 2027-01-14 (prior: $2,008.60 for 2026-01-15 to 2026-07-14; $1,974.73 for 2025-07-15 to 2026-01-14)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | Lesser of AWW or $400 (0 dependents), $460 (1), $520 (2), $580 (3), $600 (4+); based on 66.67% of $15 x 40 hrs |
| Waiting period | 3 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
Frequently asked questions
How much is a leg injury worth in Illinois workers' comp?
Illinois schedules 215 weeks for total loss, up to $233,202 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid as a share of that, based on your doctor's rating and your wage.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a leg injury in Illinois?
Illinois does not publish an official average. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: for example, a 25% loss of use at a $1,200 weekly wage works out to about $38,700. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Illinois in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $2,045.63 (2026-07-15 to 2027-01-14 (prior: $2,008.60 for 2026-01-15 to 2026-07-14; $1,974.73 for 2025-07-15 to 2026-01-14)).
Is there a waiting period in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
820 ILCS 305/8(b) (TTD), 305/8(d) and 305/8(e) (PPD schedule), 305/8.1b. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Illinois
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: 820 ILCS 305/8(b) (TTD), 305/8(d) and 305/8(e) (PPD schedule), 305/8.1b; 820 ILCS 305/8(d)1, 8(d)2, 8(e), 8.1b
- Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- iwcc.illinois.gov/resources/resources-for/benefits.html
- ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/082003050K8.htm
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Illinois 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.