How much is a back injury worth in Indiana workers' comp?
How Indiana workers' compensation pays for a back injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How a back injury is paid in Indiana
No back entry; paid in degrees of impairment under the 'all other cases' provision (up to 100 degrees) at the board's discretion.
General rule for permanent injuries in Indiana: permanent partial impairment in degrees (up to 100 degrees for 'all other cases'), paid at the statutory dollar value per degree, which rises in tiers (1-10, 11-35, 36-50, 51+).
What is different in Indiana
Indiana does not pay PPD in weeks: each degree of impairment has a fixed dollar value, and higher-degree bands pay more per degree. Total loss of use of a member counts the same as amputation.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Indiana 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 back injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Indiana vs. neighboring states
| State | How a back injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Illinois | whole-person % × 500 weeks | — |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Michigan | wage loss | — |
| Ohio | whole-person % × 200 weeks | — |
"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 Indiana
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $877.33 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (max AWW $1,316); for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30: max AWW $1,278 -> $852) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | AWW floor $75 -> $50/week (computed) |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 21 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 500 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How is a back injury paid in Indiana workers' comp?
No back entry; paid in degrees of impairment under the 'all other cases' provision (up to 100 degrees) at the board's discretion.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Indiana in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $877.33 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (max AWW $1,316); for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30: max AWW $1,278 -> $852).
Is there a waiting period in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 21 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
IC 22-3-3-7 (waiting period), 22-3-3-8 (TTD), 22-3-3-10 (PPI degrees and $/degree), 22-3-3-22 / 22-3-7-19 (max AWW, max total $439,000). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Indiana
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: IC 22-3-3-7 (waiting period), 22-3-3-8 (TTD), 22-3-3-10 (PPI degrees and $/degree), 22-3-3-22 / 22-3-7-19 (max AWW, max total $439,000); IC 22-3-3-10
- Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana (official site)
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-7/section-22-3-7-19/
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-3/section-22-3-3-8/
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-3/section-22-3-3-7
- codes.findlaw.com/in/title-22-labor-and-safety/in-code-sect-22-3-3-10.html
- law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-22/article-3/chapter-3/section-22-3-3-10/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Indiana 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.