Many professionals who get hurt on the job need temporary total disability benefits. They may be unable to work until they recover from their injuries.
During their time off, they receive partial payment through workers’ compensation. After undergoing treatment, many professionals hurt on the job can return to their prior positions. Occasionally, a doctor determines that an injured worker is unlikely to make a full recovery. They may end treatment after deciding that the worker has achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI). At that point, the worker may need to request permanent partial disability benefits. Doing so can be a challenging process that requires the support of a legal professional.
Disability claims are complicated
Unlike temporary total disability benefits that depend primarily on a worker’s wages, permanent partial disability is a complex benefit. It is not just a flat rate based on the worker’s prior earning potential. It considers the loss of earning potential or the affected body parts.
Workers may need to undergo an in-depth medical evaluation to document the extent of their functional limitations. They may need help negotiating for either regular payments or a lump-sum settlement.
The worker’s impairment rating establishes the severity of their condition, and the process also considers their age and occupation when calculating the benefits they should receive. Optimizing personal permanent partial disability benefits as part of a workers’ compensation claim can be much more difficult than requesting temporary total disability benefits while undergoing treatment.
Partnering with a workers’ compensation attorney can help injured professionals understand the benefits available to them and pursue the support they deserve. Permanent partial disability claims are often quite complex, making legal representation valuable to those facing a lifetime of reduced earning potential.
