How much is a shoulder injury worth in Illinois workers' comp?
How Illinois workers' compensation pays for a shoulder injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How a shoulder injury is paid in Illinois
Illinois lists the arm at 253 weeks (plus 70 weeks for amputation at the shoulder joint), but the statute does not say whether a shoulder injury is rated as the arm or as a percentage of the person as a whole (500 weeks). This is often disputed.
General rule for permanent injuries in Illinois: % loss of the person as a whole × 500 weeks at 60% of AWW (rated using the five factors of 8.1b); alternatively a wage-differential award of 66.67% of lost earnings under 8(d)1.
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.
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 shoulder injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Illinois vs. neighboring states
| State | How a shoulder injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Indiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Iowa | 400 weeks | $894,800 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Missouri | 232 weeks | $157,338 |
| 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 is a shoulder injury paid in Illinois workers' comp?
Illinois lists the arm at 253 weeks (plus 70 weeks for amputation at the shoulder joint), but the statute does not say whether a shoulder injury is rated as the arm or as a percentage of the person as a whole (500 weeks). This is often disputed.
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.