Work-related injuries usually happen without warning, making workers’ compensation a vital resource for injured employees who need urgent medical care. Sometimes, employees suffer disabilities from these incidents, impacting their ability to go back to work.
Fortunately, their coverage can help protect them until they are ready to resume employment in a position that matches their capabilities. Employees who can return to work despite work-related injuries may be under the permanent partial (PP) disability category. Benefits for this compensation type may vary, including the following:
- Wage differential benefits – This amount applies when the employee finds new employment, but the wage is lower than the job they had before sustaining their disability. The value of this benefit can vary based on the wage difference.
- Injury compensation – There is a list assigning specific amounts for body parts or a schedule of injuries. The amount of this benefit significantly hinges on the type of injury.
- Non-scheduled injuries – This benefit applies to other injuries that have no assigned value but can cause physical impairments.
- Permanent disfigurement benefit – It often applies to employees left permanently disfigured by their work-related injury.
These benefits are standard but may change based on the situation. PP compensation amounts can go up or down depending on the case details.
Setting expectations based on practical information
As an employee, you would want to maximize your workers’ compensation, especially if you cannot work immediately after receiving medical care. Sometimes, work-related injuries can be so severe that they require extensive rehabilitation and specialized treatments, racking up a considerable bill.
Despite these needs, setting expectations based on practical information is best to avoid overestimating your benefit amounts. You can also seek legal counsel to learn more about what you can do to support your workers’ compensation claim and what outcomes can happen, considering your unique circumstances.