Louisiana Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Louisiana pays injured workers: the weekly rate while you recover, the 2026 maximum, and what each type of permanent injury is worth, with the statute behind each number.
What is different in Louisiana
Scheduled PPD is paid only for anatomical loss of use or amputation rated under the latest AMA Guides; other permanent problems are paid through wage-loss SEB. A separate award of up to 100 weeks can cover serious permanent disfigurement or impaired function not on the schedule.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $903 (2026-09-01 to 2027-08-31 (prior: $877 for 2025-09-01 to 2026-08-31)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $241 (2026-09-01 to 2027-08-31; 20% of SAWW), or actual wages if lower; minimum for 2025-09-01 to 2026-08-31 not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 7 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
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | wage loss | — |
| Neck | wage loss | — |
| Shoulder | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 175 weeks (as the leg) | $158,025 |
| Arm | 200 weeks | $180,600 |
| Hand | 150 weeks | $135,450 |
| Thumb | 50 weeks | $45,150 |
| Index Finger | 30 weeks | $27,090 |
| Leg | 175 weeks | $158,025 |
| Foot | 125 weeks | $112,875 |
| Big Toe | 20 weeks | $18,060 |
| Eye | 100 weeks | $90,300 |
| Hearing Loss | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
Permanent injuries in general
no whole-body impairment award; unscheduled injuries are paid as Supplemental Earnings Benefits = 66.67% of the gap between 90% of pre-injury AWW and post-injury earnings, up to 520 weeks.
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: La. R.S. 23:1221 (TTD, PTD, SEB, PPD schedule), 23:1202 (max/min), 23:1224 (waiting period); La. R.S. 23:1221(3) (SEB), 23:1221(4) (schedule, (4)(p), (4)(q))
- Office of Workers' Compensation Administration (OWCA), Louisiana Workforce Commission (official site)
- legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=83447
- law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-23/rs-23-1221/
- legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=83450
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Louisiana 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.