An on-the-job injury can cause a great deal of difficulty in a person’s life. In addition to receiving expensive medical treatment, an injured worker may be temporarily or permanently disabled, affecting their ability to return to work. Fortunately, employees who are injured while working are usually eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In addition to paying all medical expenses related to an injury, these benefits will address a person’s loss of income resulting from their injury. By understanding the different types of disability benefits that are available, an injured worker can ensure that they will have the financial resources they need while recovering from their injury.
Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits
In Tennessee, disability benefits are known as “partial wage replacement,” and they typically provide a person with two thirds (66.67%) of their average weekly wage that they earned before being injured. Disability benefits will fall into one of the following categories:
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
An injury may result in a person being placed on “light duty” while recovering, and they may work fewer hours or in a position that pays less than what they previously earned. In these cases, benefits will pay two thirds of the difference between the person’s average weekly wage and the temporary wages they are earning while recovering. The maximum amount of time that TPD benefits can be paid is 450 weeks.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If a person cannot return to work while recovering from an injury, workers’ comp will pay two thirds of their average weekly wage. Minimum and maximum amounts apply to the benefits that a person can receive. These benefits will begin being paid after the eighth day of disability, and if a disability lasts 14 days or more, benefits will be paid retroactively to the first day of disability.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
If a person is able to return to work after being injured, but their injury has led to permanent impairment to some of their body, they can receive disability benefits that address this impairment. A medical professional will determine an impairment rating that represents the percentage of loss of bodily function. This rating will be multiplied by 450 weeks, and the person will receive two thirds of their average weekly wage for the resulting number of weeks.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
A person who is completely unable to return to any type of work will be able to receive benefits of two thirds of their average weekly wage. These benefits will be paid until the person reaches retirement age and becomes eligible to receive Social Security benefits.
Contact Our Chattanooga Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury while working, the attorneys of Warren & Griffin, P.C. can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, and we will work to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. For legal help, contact our Tennessee workers’ comp lawyers at 423-265-4878 and arrange a confidential consultation.
Sources:
https://www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work/injured-workers/injured-workers/benefits/wage-replacement.html
https://www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work/available-resources/redirecr-available-resources/a-beginner-s-guide-to-tn-workers–comp.html
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/5CH7-GF80-R03K-W1KV-00008-00?cite=Tenn.%20Code%20Ann.%20%C2%A7%2050-6-207&context=1000516