How Workers' Compensation Laws Classify Disabilities
Under workers’ compensation, disabilities are classified into one of four categories: temporary total, temporary partial, permanent total, and permanent partial. Read on to find out more about what separates these categories and how workers who experience them are compensated.
Temporary Total Disability
To qualify for temporary total disability, a worker must be unable to perform the functions of his regular employment. The injured worker receives two-thirds of his average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum amounts updated every six months.
Temporary Partial Disability
A worker who is partially disabled but still healing from his injuries may be able to perform light duties, either full-time or part-time. The worker will earn less than he would at his usual job, and he receives two-thirds of the difference between the wages he is earning for light duties and his usual wage.
Permanent Partial Disability
Compensation for permanent partial disability is based in part on the degree of the disability. Partial disability means a loss of a body part, loss of some use of a body part, or total loss of use of a body part. Permanent partial disability benefits are compensation for the difference between a new, lower-paying job and the injured employee’s previous job; the number of weeks an employee receives compensation is based on which body part is injured and the degree of injury.
Permanent Total Disability
The loss of two or more body parts or the loss of the ability to perform all kids of work is known as permanent total disability. An employee who suffers this level of disability will receive two-thirds of his average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum levels and cost of living adjustments.
The Illinois system of workers’ compensation provides fair payment to all employees who are injured on the job, but it can be confusing. If you need help getting the compensation you are entitled to, call (312) 983-6193 to schedule an appointment with a worker’s compensation attorney at Malman Law.
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