What is workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job [§ 22-3-2-2]. In Indiana, the system is administered by the Indiana Workers' Compensation Board.

How much will I receive in benefits?

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are 66.67% of average weekly wage, subject to statutory maximum [§ 22-3-3-8]. Benefits continue up to 500 weeks; until mmi or return to work [§ 22-3-3-8].

What is the exclusive remedy rule?

The [def:exclusive remedy] doctrine means workers' compensation is generally your only remedy against your employer for workplace injuries [§ 22-3-2-6]. You typically cannot sue your employer separately for the same injury.

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

Indiana Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights

Q: Does my employer have to carry workers' comp insurance?

Indiana requires coverage for every employer and employee must comply, subject to statutory exemptions [§ 22-3-2-2]. Employers cannot opt out of coverage requirements.

Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Indiana.

Jump to:

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Indiana — Steps & Deadlines Workers' Comp Benefits — TTD, PPD & Medical Coverage Denied Workers' Comp Claims in Indiana — Your Options Workers' Comp Retaliation — Know Your Rights Independent Medical Exams (IME) in Indiana Workers' Comp Workers' Comp Settlements & Hearings — What to Expect

How Workers' Comp Claims Work

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.

⚠️

Injury Occurs

workplace accident

📄

Report to Employer

notify promptly

📋

File Claim

submit to insurer

🏥

Medical Treatment

authorized providers

✅

Benefits Paid

wage & medical

If Claim Is Disputed

❌

Claim Denied

insurer rejects claim

🏛️

Appeal / Hearing

before workers' comp board

💰

Settlement

lump sum or structured

High-level illustration only. Timelines, procedures, and benefits vary by state and employer.

Who Is Covered?

Indiana requires workers' compensation insurance for every employer and employee must comply, subject to statutory exemptions §22-3-2-2. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §22-3-2-6.

Key Deadlines

Report the injury to your employer within Employee must give notice within 30 days §22-3-3-1

File a formal claim within 2 years from date of injury or last payment of compensation §22-3-3-3

Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans

Cooperate with any independent medical examination requests

⚠Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits entirely. Report your injury as soon as possible.

Benefit Overview

Workers' compensation in Indiana provides several categories of benefits:

	Description
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)	66.67% of average weekly wage, subject to statutory maximum; Up to 500 weeks; until MMI or return to work §22-3-3-8
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)	Yes; scheduled benefits for specific body members; unscheduled based on degree of permanent impairment §22-3-3-10
Death Benefits	66.67% of average weekly wage to dependents; burial expense allowance up to statutory maximum §22-3-3-17; §22-3-3-21
Medical Treatment	All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury

Medical Treatment

Employer selects the treating physician; employee may petition the Board for a change §22-3-3-4. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.

✓Keep detailed records of every medical visit, prescription, and work restriction related to your injury. This documentation is critical if your claim is disputed.

No Obligation

Ready to Talk to a Lawyer?

Submit a short intake form and a participating Indiana attorney who handles this type of matter may reach out to you. No commitment required.

Request a Free Consultation →

No attorney-client relationship is created unless you later sign an engagement agreement. Participating attorneys may pay a marketing fee to receive inquiries.

Common Questions