Temporary vs. Permanent Disability: Understanding Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When you suffer an injury on the job, the road ahead can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent disability benefits is crucial to understanding your needs. Knowing how these benefits are calculated and how they impact your compensation entitlements is essential if you want to secure the financial support you deserve while recovering after an injury.

Temporary disability benefits are intended to replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover from a work-related injury or illness. If your injury prevents you from working but is not expected to result in permanent impairment, you should seek temporary disability benefits.

Types of Temporary Disability:

1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is for injuries that completely prevent you from working for some time. For example, a broken leg may stop you from working a job that requires walking. Typically, these benefits are calculated as two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) up to your state’s maximum benefit limit.
2. Temporary Partial Disability (TDP) is for injuries that limit your ability to work but don’t completely prevent you. TPD may be paid if you need to work fewer hours or take on lighter duties during recovery. This is usually calculated as a percentage of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury earnings.

Generally, these benefits are available until your doctor determines you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)–when your condition is not expected to improve further with treatment.

Permanent disability benefits provide long-term compensation for workers with injuries that result in lasting impairment. These benefits can be partial or total depending on the injury’s severity and impact on your work.

Types of Permanent Disability:

1. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) is for injuries resulting in permanent impairment, but that still allow you to work. This could be the loss of a finger or partial hearing loss. Compensation amounts vary depending on the degree of impairment and your state’s workers’ compensation schedule.
2. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) is for injuries that prevent you from performing gainful employment, such as paralysis or total blindness. PTD is typically calculated as two-thirds of your AWW and may continue through life.

Workers may have the option to accept a lump-sum settlement instead of ongoing permanent disability payments. The option of immediate financial relief can be tempting, but it’s important to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure the settlement reflects your long-term needs.

Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated. Understanding whether your injury qualifies for temporary or permanent disability benefits requires medical evaluations, state regulations, and insurance negotiations. An expert attorney can help you accurately calculate your benefits, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.

At The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., we help injured workers understand their rights and secure their benefits. Whether you’re dealing with a temporary or permanent disability, our team is here to guide you through the process.

If you’ve been injured on the job and are seeking workers’ compensation benefits, don’t leave your financial future to chance. Contact The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.