The four types of workers’ compensation benefits include the following, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA):
- Permanent total (PT): A PT injury is the most serious of the four and refers to someone who will likely never be able to work in their profession again because of their injuries. For example, someone who suffers a spinal injury that results in tetraplegia may be considered a candidate for PT disability benefits.
- Temporary total (TT): A temporary total injury is a completely disabling injury that is not permanent. For example, if someone whose work requires them to be on their feet all day long suffers a broken leg, that may be considered a TT injury, as they will likely not be able to work until their leg heals.
- Permanent partial (PP): A permanent partial injury refers to an injury that disables a part of someone’s body permanently. They are still able to work despite this disability, but not at full capacity. Examples may include a chronic back injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, or loss of a limb.
- Temporary partial (TP): Temporary partial injuries generally mean the worker is able to continue their job in a limited capacity, despite a temporary injury. TP injuries may include things such as a sprained wrist or a temporary work-related illness.
The primary difference between these types is the amount of time you are injured and how your injury affects your ability to work (and thus earn a full income).
What the State and Federal Government Have to Say About Workers’ Compensation
The South Carolina State Accident Fund affirms that if you are out of work for a specific period of time and cannot work due to an injury, you can earn benefits temporarily. Whether your benefits will be classified as “partial” or “full” depends on how long your injury is expected to last and what level of disability your injury is determined to have.
The South Carolina State Accident Fund also notes that partial benefits are meant to “’make up the difference’ in your salary if you return to work in a part-time or light-duty capacity.”
SSA discusses how your benefits are calculated. Typically, two-thirds of an injured worker’s average weekly wage can be secured. SSA also notes that the maximum amount of time for which an individual worker can receive benefits is 340 weeks for partial benefit types (PP and TP). Totally disabled workers (PT and TT) can earn benefits for a maximum of 500 weeks.
If someone is disfigured due to their work-related injury, different rules apply. They can receive workers’ comp disfigurement benefits for up to 50 weeks if one or more of the following was permanently disfigured in their accident:
- Face
- Head
- Neck
- Other area most people would see at their place of work
How to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The first step an individual should take after getting injured while on the job is to report their accident with their workplace. Next, they should file a Form 50 or 52 with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. After a minimum seven-day waiting period, you may begin to receive benefits (after the amount you are eligible to receive is determined).
You may be denied benefits for any number of reasons, however, including:
- Your employer did not record or correctly process your accident report
- Your injuries are not determined to be debilitating enough to keep you from working
- You filled out paperwork incorrectly
If you wish to appeal a denial, you can do so at a hearing with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. You can request this hearing via checking box 13b on Form 50 and paying a $50 fee. You have a right to retain a lawyer during this process.
Reach Out to George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers
Our team is ready to help you fight for benefits. We can look at all available evidence of your injuries and the nature of your accident, and we can help you determine whether you may be eligible for further benefits.
We can support this claim with your initial accident report, photos of your injuries, and testimony from eyewitnesses and medical experts. Your lawyer is also prepared to:
- Visit you in person, speak with you over the phone, or talk to you via the internet
- Answer your questions about the workers’ compensation claims and appeals process or your specific case
- Protect your rights
- Represent you at a hearing, if you request one
Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers or fill out our online form to begin your free consultation. We can let you know about your options from among the four types of workers’ compensation benefits.
While you may be denied benefits, you can fight the decision with an appeal and file a personal claim. Your lawyer can negotiate with your employer’s insurance company on your behalf for a fair settlement.