West Virginia Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How West Virginia 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 West Virginia
Every percent of disability is worth 4 weeks of benefits, rising to 6 weeks per percent if the doctor releases you to your old job and the employer doesn't offer it or comparable work. Unlisted injuries are rated only by whole-body medical impairment.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,150.91 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 33.33% of SAWW (dollar amount for FY 2027 not confirmed) |
| Waiting period | Not confirmed |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 104 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | whole-person % × 400 weeks | $32,226 (10% rating) |
| Neck | whole-person % × 400 weeks | $32,226 (10% rating) |
| Shoulder | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Arm | 240 weeks | $193,354 |
| Hand | 200 weeks | $161,128 |
| Thumb | 80 weeks | $64,451 |
| Index Finger | 40 weeks | $32,226 |
| Leg | 180 weeks | $145,015 |
| Foot | 140 weeks | $112,790 |
| Big Toe | 40 weeks | $32,226 |
| Eye | 132 weeks | $106,344 |
| Hearing Loss | 220 weeks | $177,241 |
Permanent injuries in general
Whole-body medical impairment %; 4 weeks per 1% (6 weeks per 1% if released to the old job but the employer does not offer it or comparable work) at 66.67% of AWW.
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: W. Va. Code §§ 23-4-6, 23-4-14; W. Va. Code § 23-4-6(e)-(f)
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (official site)
- codes.findlaw.com/wv/chapter-23-workers-compensation/wv-code-sect-23-4-6/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the West 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.