Knee Injury Workers Comp Settlement Calculator
Estimate your knee injury workers' comp settlement. Average settlement: $64,063. Range typically $20,000 – $200,000 depending on severity and state.
Adam Noah · Workers' Comp Research Analyst
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy
About the authorAverage Knee Injury Settlement
$64,063
Source: National Safety Council injury cost database
How Is a Knee Injury Workers' Comp Settlement Calculated?
A knee injury workers' comp settlement in 2026 is built from four main components. Understanding each piece helps you know whether an offer is fair.
- 1.Lost wages (Temporary Total Disability). Most states pay 66.67% of your average weekly wage while you're off work, capped at the state maximum.
- 2.Permanent impairment. After you reach MMI, a doctor assigns an impairment rating (usually 0-100%). That rating multiplied by your state's scheduled weeks produces the PPD portion.
- 3.Medical expenses. Both past medical bills and reasonable future medical care for the knee injury. In lump-sum settlements this is capitalized into the total.
- 4.Vocational / loss-of-earning-capacity. If you can't return to your prior job at the same wage, the difference — sometimes for years — increases the settlement value.
Insurers typically try to settle these claims at 50-70% of their true value. Workers represented by attorneys historically recover 3-5x what unrepresented claimants accept.
Average Knee Injury Settlement Amounts by Severity (2026)
| Severity | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Minor Sprain / Strain | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Meniscus Tear (Arthroscopy) | $25,000 – $55,000 |
| ACL / MCL Tear + Reconstruction | $55,000 – $120,000 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $100,000 – $225,000 |
Ranges based on National Safety Council, Martindale-Nolo, and state workers' comp board settlement data. Actual settlements depend on your state, wage, and case specifics.
Key Factors That Affect Your Knee Injury Settlement
- •Whether surgery was required (arthroscopic vs open)
- •Permanent impairment rating from orthopedic exam
- •Ability to kneel, squat, or climb on the job
- •Your pre-injury average weekly wage
- •State maximum weekly benefit
- •Whether you can return to full duty
- •Age and pre-existing knee conditions
Is Your Settlement Offer Fair? Get a Free Case Review
A workers' comp attorney can review your offer and negotiate — most work on contingency (no fee unless you win). Represented claimants historically receive significantly higher settlements for knee injuries.
Find a Workers' Comp AttorneyExternal link to Avvo attorney directory. WorkCompCalc does not endorse specific attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average workers comp settlement for a knee injury?▾
NSC data shows median workers comp knee injury settlements of $35,332 and average of $64,063. ACL reconstructions typically settle $55,000-$120,000. Total knee replacements reach $100,000-$225,000.
Is a torn meniscus a big deal for workers comp?▾
It can be. Arthroscopic meniscus repair settlements average $25,000-$55,000. But if the tear leads to permanent restrictions or accelerated arthritis, settlements can exceed $100,000.
How much is an ACL tear worth in workers comp?▾
ACL tears requiring reconstruction typically settle $55,000-$120,000. The settlement depends on impairment rating (usually 10-25% of the leg), return-to-work status, and your weekly wage.
Will I get a settlement for a knee replacement at work?▾
Yes. Work-related knee replacements are major claims averaging $100,000-$225,000. Expect permanent work restrictions — no prolonged kneeling, squatting, or climbing — which drive up settlement value.
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