Understanding Permanent vs. Temporary Disability in Workers’ Compensation

Have you recently been injured on the job?

Struggling to figure out which benefits you qualify for?

We’re here to help you get your ducks in a row. Navigating workers’ compensation cases can feel complicated, but we want to help you understand what compensation you’re entitled to so you can focus on getting the help you need to feel better.

Workers’ compensation is a safety net for employees who suffer from injuries or illnesses on the job. There are different types of workers’ compensation available, and understanding their distinctions will give you a better idea of the amount and duration of the benefits you’ll receive.

Temporary Disability

An injured worker who is unable to perform their regular work duties due to a work-related injury or illness may be eligible for temporary disability.

This type of disability is expected to improve with time and medical treatment. Temporary disability benefits are designed to replace a portion of the injured worker’s lost wages during their recovery period.

There are a couple different types of temporary disability benefits that injured workers can qualify for:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD): TTD benefits can be provided when a worker is completely unable to work for a temporary period. The worker receives a portion of their average weekly wage until they can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): TPD benefits are for workers who can improve some, but not all, of their job duties while recovering. These benefits help compensate for the difference between the worker’s pre-injury wages and their post-injury earning capacity.

Permanent Disability

When an injured worker’s condition reaches a point where it’s not expected to improve significantly further with medical treatment, they may qualify for permanent disability.

This type of disability may be partial or total, and signifies a long-term impact on the worker’s ability to perform their job.

Like temporary disability, there are also different types of permanent disability benefits injured workers may qualify for:

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): PPD benefits are for workers who suffer from a permanent impairment that affects their ability to work, but doesn’t completely prevent them from working. The amount and duration of PPD benefits depends on the severity of the impairment and the impact on the worker’s ability to earn a living.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD): PTD benefits are provided when a worker is permanently and completely unable to perform any type of work due to their injury. These benefits often last for the rest of the worker’s life or until they reach retirement age.

Learn Which Benefits You Qualify for From a Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorney!

Understanding the differences between permanent and temporary disability in workers’ compensation is necessary when figuring out which benefits you’re entitled to.

 If you or your loved one has suffered from a work-related injury or illness, our Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help you navigate these benefits to make sure that you get the support that you need.

Contact us today to get started!