Like any legal practice area, workers’ compensation can be extremely complicated and intimidating for people. Especially if you or a loved one has been injured recently, it can be difficult to navigate the legal complexities and understand this complex legal landscape.
One of the most common areas of confusion involves the types of benefits available for injured workers. It is important to understand the types of benefits you could be eligible to receive, so we will list out and briefly explain the three main types of benefits available according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Medical benefits
One of the most important areas of compensation is in medical benefits. Generally, workers’ compensation covers the reasonable and necessary medical expenses arising from a work-related accident. This provision can include medication, travel expenses and related costs.
Vocational rehabilitation services
In addition to medical expenses, workers’ compensation provides some help with training and education for obtaining new employment. This benefit is only available if you need help returning to work as a result of your injury and your employer cannot continue provide you with gainful employment with the restrictions on your work functions. But if you qualify, this can be a tremendous help in remaining employed.
Wage-loss benefits
This is where things get a little more confusing. There are four general categories for wage-loss benefits, and the amount you receive will depend on which category you are in.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): This type of disability coverage is for workers who are back to work after their injuries, but the extent of their injuries is keeping them from working at the same job and they are making less money. Temporary partial disability covers injuries that are not expected to be permanent. This benefit pays 66 and 2/3 percent of the difference between the wages made at the time of the injury and the lower wage being earned after the injury.
- Temporary total disability (TTD): This type of disability is considered total but is not expected to last permanently. TTD pays out 66 and 2/3 percent of the worker’s wages before the injury and continues until the worker returns to work.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): PPD is an injury that is not total but is expected to last permanently. The payment amount for this type of disability is based on an impairment rating. The impairment rating puts a percentage on the amount of your body that is injured and pays out a certain amount for each percentage.
- Permanent total disability (PTD): Permanent total disability is the most serious of all the types of disability. In general, this type of disability pays out 66 and 2/3 percent of the worker’s daily wages at the time of the injury, with some complex limitations and qualifications.
While this is a general overview of the types of benefits available from the worker’s compensation insurance system in Minnesota. Each of these benefit types contains nuances and complexities. Make sure you talk with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to get the benefits you need.