If you’ve been hurt on the job, you might be wondering what kind of benefits you’re entitled to.
Some injuries heal quickly, while others take months or even years. In some cases, full recovery may never happen.
Because injuries can vary in severity, the compensation you’re entitled to will differ as well. For this reason, your disability classification will dictate your benefits when you file a work injury compensation claim in Minnesota.
Read on to learn more about permanent and temporary disability in work injury claims and why the distinction matters.
What is a Disability in Workers’ Compensation?
In workers’ compensation, a disability doesn’t always mean you’re completely unable to work — it refers to how your injury affects your ability to earn a living.
Some disabilities are short-term, while others are permanent. And some may limit your work, but not stop you from working altogether.
Disabilities are usually divided into four types:
- Temporary total
- Temporary partial
- Permanent total
- Permanent partial
Each type affects what kind of benefits you can receive and for how long.
Temporary Disability: When You’re Expected to Recover
Temporary disability means your injury prevents you from working now, but you’re expected to improve with time and treatment.
There are two main types.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If your doctor says you can’t work at all while you recover, you may qualify for TTD benefits. These payments are meant to replace part of your lost income while you’re off the job.
In Minnesota, TTD benefits are usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum set by law. Payments continue until one of the following happens:
- You return to work
- You reach what’s called “maximum medical improvement.”
- 130 weeks have passed
Reaching maximum medical improvement means your condition is stable and not expected to improve further.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
You may be cleared to return to work with restrictions, but not at full pay or in your regular position. In this case, TPD benefits help cover the gap between what you used to earn and what you can earn now.
These benefits are paid at two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages. Like TTD, there’s a 275-week limit on how long you can receive TPD payments.
Permanent Disability: When Recovery Has Limits
Sometimes an injury leads to long-lasting problems. If your doctor determines that your condition won’t fully improve, you may be considered permanently disabled. There are two types of permanent disability benefits.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
PPD applies when you’ve recovered as much as possible but still have a lasting impairment. This could be loss of mobility, nerve damage, or reduced function in a body part.
Minnesota uses a schedule to assign a percentage to your disability. That percentage is then used to calculate a lump-sum or weekly payment.
For example, if you lose 10% use of your dominant hand, your compensation is based on that percentage and a formula in state law. These payments are designed to make up for the permanent impact the injury has on your life and career.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
This is the most severe type of benefit. If you can no longer work in any meaningful way due to your injury, you may be eligible for PTD.
Qualifying for PTD is not easy. You’ll need strong medical evidence that you can’t perform any gainful employment, even in a different job or industry. These benefits are paid at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and they can last for the rest of your life in some cases.
We’ve helped many clients build strong PTD cases, especially in complex situations involving serious injury or multiple health issues.
How Disability Status Affects Settlements
Your disability classification affects not only your weekly benefits but also any workers’ compensation settlements. In St. Paul and throughout Minnesota, insurance companies look at your disability status when deciding how much to offer.
A person with permanent injuries may receive a larger settlement than someone expected to recover fully. But keep in mind, insurers often try to settle quickly, and for less than your case may be worth.
To maximize your claim’s success, you should consult experienced work injury lawyers in Minnesota before signing anything. Once you accept a settlement, you may be giving up your right to future benefits.
Contact Us Today
It’s not always easy to figure out whether your injury counts as temporary or permanent, and even when your doctor gives a clear answer, insurance companies may push back.
If your benefits have been delayed, reduced, or denied, we can help. At Osterbauer Law Firm, we know how Minnesota’s workers’ comp system works, and we’ll fight to make sure you get the right classification and the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Do you need guidance on what disability benefits you qualify for? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.
