Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If work injuries make it impossible for you to return to your usual job, you are considered to have a disability.
Disability Classes
Temporary Total Disability
You cannot work and earn wages, but only on a temporary basis. You’re entitled to the full allowable wage benefit.
Temporary Partial Disability
You have temporarily lost some ability to work and earn full wages. For example, if you’re 25% disabled, your weekly benefit would be calculated as 2/3 x average weekly wage x 25%.
Note: All injuries are first temporary, even those later found permanent. All benefits are also subject to the maximum weekly amount.
Permanent Total Disability
Your wage-earning capacity is permanently and totally lost. There is no limit on the number of weeks payable. In certain instances, you may continue to engage in business or employment, if your wages, combined with the weekly benefit, do not exceed the maximums set by law.
Permanent Partial Disability
Part of your wage-earning capacity has been permanently lost. There are two types of permanent partial disability benefits, depending on the body part affected and the nature of the permanent disability:
- Schedule Loss of Use (SLU)
- Non-Schedule Loss
The severity of the disability is measured when you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is presumed to occur no more than two years after the date of injury.