How much is a hand injury worth in Iowa workers' comp?
Iowa pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for a hand injury: the law sets total loss at 190 weeks.
How a hand injury is paid in Iowa
Each week is paid at 80% of your average weekly wage after taxes (spendable earnings), up to $2,237 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 47.5 weeks.
What is different in Iowa
Iowa gives the shoulder its own 400-week schedule. PPD begins when maximum medical improvement is medically indicated.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 after-tax weekly wage | $1,200 after-tax weekly wage | $1,600 after-tax weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $12,160 | $18,240 | $24,320 |
| 25% loss of use | $30,400 | $45,600 | $60,800 |
| 50% loss of use | $60,800 | $91,200 | $121,600 |
| 100% loss of use | $121,600 | $182,400 | $243,200 |
Calculate your hand award
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 hand injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Iowa vs. neighboring states
| State | How a hand injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 190 weeks | $425,030 |
| Illinois | 205 weeks | $222,355 |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Missouri | 175 weeks | $118,681 |
| Nebraska | 175 weeks | $204,050 |
| South Dakota | 150 weeks | $172,800 |
| Wisconsin | 400 weeks | $181,600 |
"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 much is a hand injury worth in Iowa workers' comp?
Iowa schedules 190 weeks for total loss, up to $425,030 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 hand injury in Iowa?
Iowa 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 $45,600. Settlements move up or down from there.
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.