What to know about permanent workers’ compensation benefits

On Behalf of | Apr 8, 2022 | Workers' Compensation |

Nobody expects to get injured at work, but it’s a reality for most, especially those in high-risk industries such as construction. Workplace accidents often result in lost wages and, in some cases, lasting pain and/or limitations.

To qualify for permanent disability, your injury must result in long-term damage to your body and/or your ability to work.  Your doctor needs to write a report stating that you have reached maximum medical improvement meaning that you are unlikely to get better in the next year, even with further medical treatment. 

Injuries that could result in permanent disabilities include:

  • Severe burns
  • Hearing loss
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Hearing loss
  • Amputations
  • Neck injuries
  • Loss of sight

There are 2 types of permanent disability benefits under workers’ comp

There are two types of permanent disability (PD) benefits available under workers’ comp: Partial and total permanent. Partial PD, the more common type, is anything with less than a 100% disability rating. The calculation of your PD rating considers how much of your limitations are due to injury, age, occupation, future earning capacity and other factors.

If you have a PD rating of 100%, you have been totally disabled and are therefore entitled to weekly payments from the state for an indefinite time. If your rating is less than 100%, you have partial PD and are entitled to weekly payments from the state for a limited amount of time. The higher your PD rating, the higher the payments and the longer you will receive them.

Getting injured at the workplace can result from faulty equipment, inadequate safety standards or the presence of hazards. If your injury results in any long-term limitations, holding the company accountable is the best way to protect your future.

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