Workers’ compensation exists to protect both employees and employers. Workers’ compensation indemnifies employers, protecting them from lawsuits brought by workers who get hurt on the job.
Workers’ compensation also provides direct assistance to professionals with job-acquired medical conditions. They may qualify for medical benefits that pay for their treatment. If they cannot work due to their medical challenges, then they might be eligible for disability benefits. There are actually four different types of disability benefits available through workers’ compensation that can protect people in a variety of different situations.
What forms of disability can workers request?
Each type of benefit is for a specific situation
Many professionals only ever require a temporary leave of absence while undergoing treatment or recovering from injuries. They may qualify for temporary total disability benefits that replace a portion of their wages until they return to full-time work.
Some professionals can continue working but cannot perform their usual job functions. They may be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits until they return to their usual position within the company.
Unfortunately, not all professionals make a full recovery. Those with ongoing symptoms who must change professions could be eligible for permanent temporary disability benefits.
There are also permanent total disability benefits that can replace up to 70% of a worker’s average weekly wage, up to a state-approved maximum benefit amount. If professionals can no longer work at all, they could qualify for total disability benefits until they reach retirement age.
Disability benefits provide critical support for those who cannot work because of a job-related medical issue. Learning more about workers’ compensation benefits can help those who may need to file a claim.