When you’re injured, you may have to file for disability, if you’re unable to return to work right away. There are different types of disability claims, each one subject to its own established requirements, making the process of filing a claim complex and time-consuming. An attorney well-versed in disability laws can help you get the money you need to pay your bills and to live, while you’re unable to work. For example, an experienced san diego motorcycle accident attorney explains, bike riders are at higher risk of sustaining serious injuries that can cause permanent disability.
You Can Claim Temporary Disability
Some people may not realize that there are a few distinctions in claiming temporary disability, so people can get the help they need. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you can file a claim for either partial or total disability on a temporary status. When an individual files for temporary total disability, they may be able to receive benefits equally up to two-thirds of the income they were earning before the incident.
Once approved for temporary total disability, you will receive payments every two weeks. These benefits will continue, until your doctor says you’re able to return to work and resume your normal duties. Conversely, your doctor may declare you “medically stationary,” which means your condition is not likely to improve much more. In that case, your status will be transferred to permanent total disability.
Where you’re still able to light work, you may be able to receive temporary partial disability. This type of benefit is intended to compensate you for a reduction in pay, when your restriction to light duty means you’ll be moved into a lower paying position on a temporary basis. The benefits will be paid to make up the difference.
Filing for Permanent Disability
Even if you have received a torn ACL workers comp settlement Portland OR, for example, you may still be eligible for disability benefits, depending on the severity of the injury. Permanent disability is intended for individuals who have been injured in such a way that they’re no longer able to perform the duties of their previous position. This doesn’t mean you will never be able to work again, but that you will likely have to find a new line of work.
Permanent partial disability means you can return to work after some vocational training, even if that means starting a new career path. Conversely, permanent total disability indicates that you won’t be able to work at all. In this case, you’ll likely have to rely on disability benefits for your income for the rest of your life.
Regardless of what your unique situation may be, an experienced attorney can help you obtain the maximum benefits. It can be difficult just to get approved for benefits, so having a legal advocate on your side may be the best thing you can do for yourself.
