How much is a knee injury worth in Ohio workers' comp?
How Ohio workers' compensation pays for a knee injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How a knee injury is paid in Ohio
Ohio's scheduled loss applies only to loss or loss of use of the leg (200 weeks). Knee impairment short of that may instead be paid as a percentage permanent partial (%PP) award: % × 200 weeks at the lower %PP weekly maximum.
General rule for permanent injuries in Ohio: percentage of permanent partial disability × 200 weeks at 66 2/3% of AWW, max one-third of the state average weekly wage.
What is different in Ohio
Ohio has two separate PPD awards that can both be paid: a %PP award (percentage × 200 weeks, capped at one-third of the SAWW per week) and scheduled loss awards for loss or loss of use of listed body parts, paid at the higher rate.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Ohio 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 knee injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Ohio vs. neighboring states
| State | How a knee injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Indiana | 45 degrees (as the leg) | $110,475 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Michigan | wage loss | — |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — |
| West Virginia | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
"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 Ohio
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 72% of full weekly wage for first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,281 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (injuries in 2026)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $427 (1/3 SAWW), or actual wage if lower |
| 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
Ohio pays 72% of the full weekly wage for the first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of the average weekly wage.
Frequently asked questions
How is a knee injury paid in Ohio workers' comp?
Ohio's scheduled loss applies only to loss or loss of use of the leg (200 weeks). Knee impairment short of that may instead be paid as a percentage permanent partial (%PP) award: % × 200 weeks at the lower %PP weekly maximum.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Ohio in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,281 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (injuries in 2026)).
Is there a waiting period in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Ohio Rev. Code §4123.55 (waiting week), §4123.56 (TT), §4123.57 (PP and scheduled loss). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Ohio
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code §4123.55 (waiting week), §4123.56 (TT), §4123.57 (PP and scheduled loss); Ohio Rev. Code §4123.57(A) (%PP), §4123.57(B) (scheduled loss)
- Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (official site)
- dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/info.bwc.ohio.gov/Workers/CompRates.pdf
- codes.findlaw.com/oh/title-xli-labor-and-industry/oh-rev-code-sect-4123-55/
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4123.57
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Ohio 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.