Workers that are totally disabled from a work-related injury, illness, or condition may receive total disability benefits in lieu of wages. This determination is usually made after an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) and means theoretically that wage loss benefits may continue indefinitely. A total disability allows a worker continuing, unencumbered right to complete wage loss benefits.
Workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits until they experience a complete medical recovery with no restrictions established by agreement or administrative decision. Benefits will also cease if they are able to actually return to full, pre-injury employment; or they are medically able to perform other currently available employment with no loss in earnings.
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits may last indefinitely and begin one week from the date a worker was last able to work. TTD benefits are based on a percentage of a worker’s average weekly wage up to a specified maximum amount.
An injured worker’s status may be modified to permanent partial disability. An IRE may be conducted after a worker receives 104 weeks of disability benefits. If the IRE determines that the worker has reached maximum medical improvement, a worker’s disability status will change to permanent partial.
The IRE assumes a worker has reached maximum medical improvement, but if the impairment rating is too low or if a worker believes that she has not reached maximum medical improvement, it may be challenged. At Powell Law, we effectively assist clients throughout the entire workers’ compensation claims process. The disability status of an injured worker may change quickly and often affecting the amount and duration of benefits.
Whether you are partially or totally disabled from a work-related injury, illness, or condition, we will help you recover all due compensation. For 110 years, Powell Law has represented Pennsylvania workers in workers’ compensation cases in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. Consult an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney. Contact us at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE!
