How much is a hand injury worth in Virginia workers' comp?
Virginia pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for a hand injury: the law sets total loss at 150 weeks.
How a hand injury is paid in Virginia
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,507.01 a week, with a minimum of $376.75 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
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 37.5 weeks.
What is different in Virginia
Virginia pays permanent partial benefits only for body parts listed in the statute (arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, eyes, hearing). Back, neck and other unscheduled injuries get no PPD award.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,000.40 | $12,001 | $16,001 |
| 25% loss of use | $20,001 | $30,002 | $40,002 |
| 50% loss of use | $40,002 | $60,003 | $80,004 |
| 100% loss of use | $80,004 | $120,006 | $160,008 |
Calculate your hand award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Virginia 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.
Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | How a hand injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 150 weeks | $226,052 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Maryland | 250 weeks | — |
| North Carolina | 200 weeks | $289,200 |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | — |
| West Virginia | 200 weeks | $161,128 |
| District of Columbia | 244 weeks | $451,905 |
"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 Virginia
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of gross AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,507.01 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $376.75/week (or the worker's AWW if lower) |
| 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 much is a hand injury worth in Virginia workers' comp?
Virginia schedules 150 weeks for total loss, up to $226,052 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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 $30,002. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Virginia in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,507.01 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30).
Is there a waiting period in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia 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?
Va. Code Ann. §§ 65.2-500, 65.2-503, 65.2-509. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Virginia
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Va. Code Ann. §§ 65.2-500, 65.2-503, 65.2-509; Va. Code Ann. § 65.2-503
- Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- workcomp.virginia.gov/news/notice-of-2026-rates
- workcomp.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Claims-Services-Quick-Reference-Guide-
- law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title65.2/chapter5/section65.2-503/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Virginia 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.