How much is a back injury worth in Iowa workers' comp?
How Iowa 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 Iowa
The back is not scheduled; it is compensated as industrial disability (loss of earning capacity, 500 weeks), or functional impairment only if the worker is back at the same or higher wage.
General rule for permanent injuries in Iowa: industrial disability: % reduction in earning capacity × 500 weeks at 80% of spendable weekly earnings; only functional impairment if the worker returns to work at the same or greater pay.
What is different in Iowa
Iowa gives the shoulder its own 400-week schedule. PPD begins when maximum medical improvement is medically indicated.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Iowa 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.
Iowa vs. neighboring states
| State | How a back injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Illinois | whole-person % × 500 weeks | — |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Missouri | whole-person % × 400 weeks | — |
| Nebraska | wage loss | — |
| South Dakota | whole-person % × 312 weeks | — |
| Wisconsin | whole-person % × 1000 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 Iowa
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 80% of the worker's weekly spendable (after-tax) earnings |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $2,431 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (prior: $2,350 for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | Lesser of the benefit for an employee earning 35% of state AWW, or the worker's actual spendable weekly earnings ($ amount for FY27 not confirmed) |
| 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 back injury paid in Iowa workers' comp?
The back is not scheduled; it is compensated as industrial disability (loss of earning capacity, 500 weeks), or functional impairment only if the worker is back at the same or higher wage.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Iowa in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $2,431 (Injuries 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (prior: $2,350 for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30)).
Is there a waiting period in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa 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?
Iowa Code 85.32 (waiting period), 85.33 (TTD/TPD), 85.34 (PPD schedule), 85.36 (spendable earnings), 85.37 (max/min). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Iowa
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Iowa Code 85.32 (waiting period), 85.33 (TTD/TPD), 85.34 (PPD schedule), 85.36 (spendable earnings), 85.37 (max/min); Iowa Code 85.34(2) (schedule incl. shoulder; paragraph v for other cases)
- Workers' Compensation Division, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (official site)
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/85.32.pdf
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/85.33.pdf
- law.justia.com/codes/iowa/title-iii/chapter-85/section-85-37/
- codes.findlaw.com/ia/title-iii-public-services-and-regulation-chs-80-122c/ia-code-sect-85-
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/85.34.pdf
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Iowa 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.