Getting injured on the job opens up a whole slew of questions — most of them anxiety-provoking. How long are you going to be off work? How will you pay your bills? How will you afford your medical care? What happens if you can’t go back to your job?
It helps to understand as much as you can about the workers’ compensation system in Minnesota. Here are some of the wage-replacement benefits typically available to injured workers:
Temporary Partial Disability
There’s a 10-day waiting period that starts when you’re injured before wage-replacement benefits kick in. After that, you’re typically entitled to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you’re able to go back to work but aren’t able to yet work full-time or you have to take a different position for a while that pays less.
Temporary Total Disability
If you’re unable to return to work at all due to your injury for a time, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD). This can give you the time off you need to fully heal from your injuries.
Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) may be awarded in cases where you suffer a permanent injury. For example, you may be permanently unable to return to your regular job, but can do some sort of light-duty work.
Permanent Total Disability
The most lasting form of wage-replacement benefits, Permanent Total Disability (PTD), is reserved for injured employees who are unable to do any type of work on a regular basis.
Keep in mind that these aren’t the only benefits you may qualify for under workers’ comp. You are also entitled to medical care related to your work injury or illness. You may also eventually be entitled to vocational rehabilitation to help you continue living a productive life.
Navigating through the workers’ compensation system can be complicated and stressful. It may be wise to consider obtaining legal guidance.