Understanding the 4 Types of Disability in a Worker's Comp Case

In Colorado, workers’ compensation provides essential financial relief and coverage for medical bills related to injuries that happened on the job. In addition to providing compensation for medical care and expenses, workers’ compensation provides additional benefits to individuals who become disabled due to their injury.

There are four different kinds of disability benefits you can receive which depend on the kind of disabilities you have along with your occupation. Here is some important information to know about the four types of disability you can claim in a workers’ compensation case.

Temporary Total Disability

Temporary total disability benefits apply to workers whose injuries prevent them from returning to work for a short time period. These benefits provide financial help for the period in which you aren’t working so that you have the income you need to cover your expenses. These benefits are typically calculated to be two-thirds of your average weekly wage. To receive benefits, you will typically need to provide wage statements to your insurer along with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. It’s important to note that any tips and wages from other jobs can also be included in your average weekly wage. Working with a workers’ comp attorney is the best way to ensure your wage is properly calculated so that you receive fair compensation.

Temporary Partial Disability

If your injuries are significant but don’t fully prevent you from working at your old job or making your full salary, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. These benefits apply to individuals who are not totally disabled and whose employer can still offer work at a reduced capacity until they fully recover from their injuries. In these situations, the insurer or your employer will pay 50% two thirds of the difference between your weekly wage and the wages you are able to continue making with reduced hours.

Permanent Total Disability

Permanent total disability benefits are only provided to workers who have sustained severe injuries that leave a permanent impact on their lives. In situations where a person has incurred a permanent disability from a workplace accident, they will continue to receive workers’ compensation benefits even after their medical care and recovery have ended. This compensation will be set at two-thirds of the worker’s weekly wage. Some of the injuries the state of Colorado recognizes as permanent total disabilities include:

• The loss or loss of use of both legs
• The loss or loss of use of both feet
• The loss or loss of use of both arms
• The loss or loss of use of both hands
• The loss or loss of use of both eyes

Permanent Partial Disability

Permanent partial disability benefits are awarded to workers who sustain permanent disabilities that are less severe, such as hearing loss. Permanent partial disability payments are calculated based on the part of the body that was injured along with the severity of the injury. The amount of weekly compensation and the number of payments you will receive depends entirely on the nature of your injuries. In these situations, it is essential to have an attorney on your side to ensure you receive fair compensation. 

Contact a Skilled Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorney

No one plans on being involved in a workplace accident. However, many people experience accidents in their workplace that can have serious implications on their life. If you have been injured at your workplace, it’s essential to secure legal counsel from a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you understand your rights and secure fair compensation. No matter what the cause of your accident or the severity of your injuries, the legal team at Mintz Law is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

At Mintz Law, our attorneys believe that workers should be fairly compensated for the injuries they incur on the job, which is why they are dedicated to fighting on your behalf for the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. Let our Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers build an evidence-based case for you. To talk with one of our attorneys, call (303) 462-2999 or fill out our online contact form.