While some workplace injuries heal quickly, others may result in a life-altering change.
If an injury leads to the inability to work, the state ensures that victims have rights through workers’ compensation laws. People who sustain permanent injuries often have questions about what those rights mean.
1. How does the state determine permanent disability?
Initially, severe injuries may get classified as a temporary total disability, providing benefits of approximately two-thirds of wages for 104 weeks. People unable to return to work after that time period typically need to go through an impairment rating evaluation. The independent medical examiner conducts an exam to determine the ability to work. Anyone who receives a rating of 65 or over may receive permanent disability benefits.
2. What benefits might a person get?
After receiving a qualifying rating, the injured employee will receive benefits and gain lifetime medical care via the insurance company. The compensation benefits may come in the form of weekly payments or a lump sum. Severe injuries, such as an amputation or blindness, may receive additional special loss benefits.
3. What if the work-related injury contributes to a death?
Severe injuries that directly lead to death may mean death benefits for beneficiaries. This generally includes funeral and burial reimbursement. In some cases, the widow and children may receive additional benefits due to a lifetime of lost wages. That may include continuing to receive the deceased loved one’s recurring benefits.
Permanent disability claims often come with complexity. Call your workers’ compensation specialist at 610-892-9300 or online for a free consultation.