Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart (How Much Is Your Case Worth?)
If you’re looking for an Illinois workers’ comp settlement chart, you’re really asking one question:
How much is my Illinois workers’ compensation case worth?
Illinois does not use a fixed dollar settlement chart. Instead, workers’ compensation settlements are calculated using a statutory formula based on your average weekly wage (AWW), the injured body part, and your permanent impairment rating under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
This page explains:
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How Illinois workers’ comp settlement values are calculated
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Typical settlement ranges by injury and surgery
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How body part values affect payouts
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Why insurance company settlement offers are often too low
We also link to detailed guides covering settlement values for specific body parts and answers to the most common question injured workers ask: “How much does workers’ comp pay in Illinois?”
Is There an Official Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart?
No. Illinois uses a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) schedule, which assigns a maximum number of weeks to each body part. Settlement values are then calculated using a percentage of those weeks based on medical impairment and other factors.
Because of this, two workers with the same injury can receive very different settlements depending on wages, recovery, and work restrictions.
How Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlements Are Calculated
Basic PPD formula:
(Weeks assigned to body part) × (Impairment %) × (60% of AWW)
(subject to Illinois minimum and maximum rates)
Example
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AWW: $1,200
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Weekly rate (60%): $720
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Back injury
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10% impairment
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5 weeks per 1% (example)
10% × 5 = 50 weeks
50 × $720 = $36,000 (base estimate)
This number can increase significantly if surgery, permanent restrictions, or wage loss are involved.
Common Illinois Workers’ Comp Body Part Values
Examples of statutory maximum weeks:
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Arm: 253 weeks
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Leg: 215 weeks
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Hand: 205 weeks
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Foot: 167 weeks
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Back / Spine: Person-as-a-whole (often ~5 weeks per 1%)
For detailed breakdowns, see our injury-specific settlement guides:
Average Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Ranges
While there is no true “average,” typical Illinois settlement ranges include:
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Minor injuries (no surgery): $15,000 – $30,000
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Carpal tunnel (mild): ~$25,000
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Shoulder or knee surgery: $75,000 – $150,000
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Back surgery / disc injury: $150,000 – $300,000+
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Wage differential cases: Often six figures or more
To understand where your case fits, see our full valuation guide:
👉 How Much Is My Illinois Workers’ Comp Case Worth?
What Increases a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Illinois?
Settlement value increases with:
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Higher impairment ratings
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Surgery (especially back, shoulder, knee)
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Inability to return to your old job
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Wage differential eligibility
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Future medical needs
Insurance companies rarely volunteer these value drivers unless pressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a workers’ comp settlement calculated in Illinois?
Illinois workers’ comp settlements are calculated using a formula based on the injured body part, the percentage of permanent impairment, and 60% of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to state minimum and maximum rates.
Is there an official Illinois workers’ comp settlement chart?
No. Illinois uses a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) schedule that assigns weeks to body parts. Settlement values depend on impairment ratings, wages, medical treatment, and work restrictions.
How much does workers’ comp pay in Illinois for permanent disability?
Permanent disability settlements in Illinois often range from $15,000 to over $300,000, depending on the injury, wages, surgery, and long-term impact on work ability.
What body parts are worth the most in Illinois workers’ comp?
Back, shoulder, knee, and hip injuries — especially those requiring surgery — typically result in the highest Illinois workers’ comp settlements.
Can my settlement increase if I can’t return to my old job?
Yes. If you can’t return to your pre-injury job, you may qualify for a wage differential, which can dramatically increase your settlement value.
