If a worker is unable to perform any work at all due to the complications of an injury, he may qualify for disability benefits. Workers’ comp offers a variety of disability benefits, including:

Permanent total disability.

Permanent total disability benefits (PTD) are paid to injured workers who will never return to any type of employment. These benefits are paid at 75% of the worker's average weekly wage (AWW) and may continue as long as the person remains totally disabled.

Permanent partial disability.

Permanent partial disability (PPD) is paid to workers who are not completely unable to work but have suffered some kind of permanent limitation on their earning capacity. Benefit amounts depend on whether the worker has suffered a scheduled or non-scheduled and generally continue for a maximum of 312 weeks or until the person is no longer considered disabled.

Temporary partial disability.

Temporary partial disability (TPD) is available to employees whose injuries prevent them from earning pre-injury level of wages. Benefits are calculated at 75% of the difference between the worker's regular earnings before and after the injury.

Temporary total disability.

Temporary total disability (TTD) applies when a worker may be completely unable to work but is expected to return at some point. Benefits are paid at 75% of the employee’s regular earnings, with an additional amount available for each dependent. These workers benefits begin on the fourth day of missed work and continue until the employee is able to return to work.

 

Robyn K. Factor
Helping Rhode Island personal injury and work injury clients get the results they deserve since 1994.