Examples of Injuries in Partial vs. Total Disability Cases

Did you know there are several different types of disability benefits?

The severity of your injury helps to determine which type of disability benefits you qualify for. 

Read our latest article to understand the main differences between permanent and temporary disabilities, and read below to learn about the different types of categories that fall under permanent and temporary disabilities: 

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.

Examples of the types of injuries that fall under this category are more severe injuries like fractured bones, severe sprains, burns, surgical recovery, and concussions. 

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.

Examples of the types of injuries that fall under this category are less severe but similar to TTD injuries like minor fractures, moderate sprains and strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and partial soft tissue injuries. 

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.

Examples of the injuries that fall under this category are the loss of fingers and toes, hearing loss, nerve damage, vision impairment, chronic tendonitis, and amputation of a limb. 

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.

Examples of the injuries that fall under this category are severe spinal cord injuries, severe brain injuries, advanced cancers, blindness, severe psychiatric disorders, organ failure, and hearing loss. 

Wondering What Benefits You Qualify for After Your Work Injury? Our Colorado Workers’ Comp Attorneys Are Here for You! 

Figuring out the different types of disability benefits available through workers’ compensation can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a work-related injury. 

If you’re unsure about which benefits you qualify for, our Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys are here to guide you so you can receive the appropriate support and compensation that you deserve. 

Contact us today to get started! 

Key Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Disability Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Do you know which benefits you’re entitled to?

If you recently suffered from a work-related injury, the workers’ compensation benefits you receive are determined by several different factors such as your post-injury work capacity, injury duration, and the severity of your injury. 

If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits, here are their key differences:

Duration 

Temporary disability benefits are provided for a limited time, typically until the worker can return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement. 

Permanent disability benefits are long-term and may continue for the rest of the worker’s life, depending on the severity of the injury. 

Work Capacity 

Temporary disability assumes that the worker will eventually recover and return to work. 

Permanent disability acknowledges that the worker’s condition will not significantly improve, affecting their ability to work indefinitely. 

Benefit Calculation 

Temporary disability benefits are usually based off a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. 

Permanent disability benefits are often based on a predetermined schedule of impairments, which account for the severity and overall impact of the injury. 

Read our latest article here to learn more. 

Our Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorneys are Here to Help You Navigate Your Benefits! 

Recognizing which type of disability, you’re dealing with will help you navigate the workers’ compensation system much more easily and effectively. 

Consulting with our knowledgeable Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys in invaluable in navigating the complexities of your workers’ compensation benefits, and making sure that you receive the support that you need. 

We’re here for you! We’ll help you understand your rights, advocate on your behalf, and maximize the benefits you’re entitled to under Colorado state law. 

Contact us today to get started!