A permanent injury is an injury that results in a lasting disability. This could be a physical disability, such as paralysis, or a mental disability, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Permanent injuries can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as a fall from a ladder, or they can develop over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Regardless of how they occur, permanent injuries often have a profound and long-lasting impact on the injured worker’s life.
Being injured on the job is tough enough, but when those injuries are permanent, it can be even harder to cope. You may be wondering how workers’ compensation works in these situations. If you’ve suffered a permanent injury on the job, you may be wondering what benefits you’re entitled to under workers’ compensation laws.
The answer to that question will depend on the specifics of your case. In general, workers’ compensation will provide benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
In general, workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees on the job by covering their medical expenses and replacing a portion of their lost wages. However, when an injury is permanent, workers’ compensation may also provide benefits for long-term care, debilitating pain, and other needs.
Permanent injuries can be partial or total.
Total permanent injuries prevent an employee from ever working again. On the other hand, partial permanent injuries may allow the employee to return to work with some restrictions.
For example, a worker who has lost an arm in a factory accident would likely receive benefits for total permanent disability. A worker who has suffered a back injury that limits their mobility may receive benefits for partial permanent disability.
There are also two types of benefits that workers’ compensation provides for employees with permanent injuries: impairment benefits and wage replacement benefits.
Impairment benefits are paid out based on the severity of the injury, while wage replacement benefits replace a portion of the employee’s lost wages. The amount of wage replacement benefits an employee is entitled to depend on their pre-injury earnings. It also matters whether they are can return to work in any capacity.
In most cases, workers’ compensation covers your medical expenses and replaces a portion of your lost wages. Those with permanent injuries could also receive long-term care or other benefits.
To find out how much you may be eligible for, speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney today.
If you’ve suffered a permanent injury on the job, it’s important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will review your case and advise you of your best course of action.
To learn more, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.
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