Workers’ compensation law is full of complicated terms and phrases. Understanding the law, though, requires a thorough comprehension of these words and what they mean. Four of the most common phrases that get used to describe someone’s workplace injury are:
- Permanent total disability, or PTD,
- Permanent partial disability, or PPD,
- Temporary total disability, or TTD, and
- Temporary partial disability, or TPD.
Here’s what they mean and why they are important.
Four Different Types of Workplace Injuries
The core concept of workers’ compensation is that people who get hurt because of their work should get financial help to cover their disability.
Because the amount of that compensation depends on the extent of their disability, the extent of the disability from a workplace accident is a crucial part of the puzzle. How long the disability will last and how serious it is will drive how much compensation should be paid.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
The worst injuries that can happen in the workplace lead to permanent total disabilities. The disability is total because it keeps them from working in any capacity at their job. It is permanent because there is no chance of the condition getting any better. As a result, these victims need financial compensation to cover their inability to earn a living, as well as their medical expenses.
Examples of PTDs include paralyzing injuries, broken spines, and some amputation injuries.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
A permanent partial disability is a workplace injury that limits the victim’s ability to work, but not completely. The victim is left with a physical impairment that may require workplace accommodations or a different role, but they can still earn income. However, their condition is not going to improve, in the future.
In addition to medical expenses, these victims also need financial compensation to cover for any reductions in their income.
Examples include hearing loss, minor amputations, like a finger or toe, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Temporary total disabilities prevent a worker from performing their job for a certain period of time. However, their injuries will heal and get better and allow them to return to their role. Examples include broken bones and serious knee injuries.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Finally, there are temporary partial disabilities, like sprains, bruises, and pulled muscles. These are injuries that will heal, given time, and that do not completely keep the victim out of work. They can, however, force the victim into a less dangerous or a more controlled working environment until their injuries get better. Many temporary total disabilities turn into temporary partial ones before a full recovery is made.
When TPDs require a worker to move into a more controlled environment, and that means they have to take a pay cut, a workers’ compensation package can include money to make up for that loss.
St. Joseph Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Smith Law Office
If you have been hurt on the job, the personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers at the Smith Law Office can help. Contact them online or call their St. Joseph law office at (816) 875-9373.