If you’ve been injured at work, you’re probably wondering how long you can expect to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on the nature of your injury, your recovery progress, and the specific laws in your state.
At Talbot & Kesling, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims in Tacoma. In this blog, we’ll explain what you need to know about workers compensation and answer the question: “How long does workers comp last?”
What is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program designed to provide financial assistance and medical coverage for workers injured on the job. These benefits can cover medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes even long-term disability costs. In exchange for these benefits, workers generally give up the right to sue their employer for the injury.
How Long Does Workers Comp Last?
How long your workers comp benefits last will depend on several factors. To start, different states have different laws for this timeframe. In some states, benefits last until you reach “maximum medical improvement,” or MMI. In others, there’s a set time limit for how long coverage lasts. Washington State uses the MMI timeframe.
Aside from these state laws, how long workers comp lasts also depends on the severity of your injury. This will determine what type of benefits you receive and whether they continue past MMI or the set time limit. Let’s discuss the different types of benefits and learn more about MMI.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
When you are injured at work and unable to perform your job duties, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. TTD benefits are designed to replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover. Typically, workers’ compensation will cover about two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This can vary depending on the severity of your injury and the laws in your state.
In Washington, workers’ comp benefits can last as long as you are actively recovering and unable to return to your job. However, these benefits are not indefinite. In most cases, TTD benefits will end when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is when your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve with further medical treatment. Once MMI is reached, your benefits may end, or you may be assessed for permanent disability benefits.
How Long Do Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits Last?
If your injury is severe and leads to long-term or permanent impairments, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits even after reaching MMI. PPD benefits are typically awarded when a worker’s injury results in partial permanent impairment, but the individual is still able to work in some capacity. The duration of these benefits varies based on the degree of disability and how the impairment is rated by your doctor.
In Washington, the length of PPD benefits is determined by the impairment rating given by your physician. This rating is based on the severity of your injury and helps establish how long you will receive benefits. The more severe the injury, the longer the benefits may last. However, PPD benefits have a cap, and they usually won’t last forever.
If you are facing long-term disability or impairment, it’s essential to have legal support to receive the maximum possible benefits for your injury. At Talbot & Kesling, our workers’ compensation attorneys can help ensure that your impairment rating is accurate and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
In rare cases, a worker’s injury may be so severe that they cannot return to any kind of work. This is known as Permanent Total Disability (PTD). PTD benefits are reserved for workers who are unable to engage in any substantial gainful employment due to their injury. If you qualify for PTD benefits, you could receive workers’ compensation for the rest of your life.
Examples of injuries that might lead to PTD include severe spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or other catastrophic injuries that prevent you from performing any job. However, eligibility for PTD benefits can be complicated. It is often contested by insurance companies. That’s why having an experienced workers comp lawyer by your side is crucial to advocate for your rights.
How Can Talbot & Kesling Help?
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be difficult, and understanding how long your benefits will last is only one piece of the puzzle. The process can become even more complicated if your claim is denied, your benefits are insufficient, or you encounter delays in the system. That’s where we come in.
At Talbot & Kesling, we’ve been helping people like you with workers’ compensation and disability claims in Tacoma for decades. We’re here to guide you through the entire process. Our team ensures you understand the timeline of your benefits and that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can help.
1. Filing a Claim and Ensuring Timely Benefits
The process of filing for workers’ compensation can be daunting, especially while you’re dealing with an injury and mounting medical bills. We assist with gathering the necessary documentation, filing your claim, and ensuring that you meet all deadlines. The faster and more thoroughly you fill out the application, the faster you can receive benefits.
2. Challenging a Denied or Reduced Claim
If your claim is denied, or you feel the benefits you’re receiving are inadequate, our team will fight for your rights. We can help gather the necessary evidence to support your case or appeal a denial. We can also help you request an increase in benefits if your injury has worsened over time.
3. Securing Maximum Benefits for Permanent Impairments
If your injury has resulted in permanent impairment, we will work with medical professionals to get an accurate impairment rating and ensure that your compensation reflects the severity of your condition. We can also help you determine if you qualify for SSDI benefits, which may be necessary to supplement your workers’ compensation. Those who hire a workers comp lawyer usually secure better benefits.
4. Long-Term Advocacy
For workers with long-term or permanent disabilities, we are here to advocate for your ongoing benefits. Whether you’re dealing with TTD, PPD, or PTD, our attorneys will be there to help you every step of the way. It’s our job to make sure you’re receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Consult a Workers Comp Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure how long your workers’ comp benefits will last, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team in Tacoma. We can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation, ensure that your claim is handled correctly, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Talbot & Kesling today for a consultation. Let us help you focus on your recovery while we take care of the legal details.