Temporary Partial Disability

When a worker was injured on the job in the early days of the United States, the results were catastrophic for the worker and his or her family. The law was simple: if a worker couldn’t work, for whatever reason, he wasn’t required to be paid and he could be replaced. Luckily, the United States Government opened the door to some security for its civilian workers in 1908 when it agreed to give some benefits to civilian employees working dangerous jobs. Since then, that compensation has grown: all 50 states now provide disability benefits, and the federal government covers all of its own employees.

There are now different categories and different types of compensation for workers injured on the job. One is Temporary Partial Disability. Temporary Partial Disability occurs when a worker is injured and is capable of working, but with restrictions. For example, if a worker on an assembly line hurts his foot on the job, he may not be able to return to the same job he left until his foot has healed. In this case, he may be asked to return to a different job and, depending on the injury, he may work fewer hours. If his wages are less than roughly 66 percent of the wages he made before his injury, temporary partial disability will make up the difference.

Contact Us

If you have been injured on the job, contact Coriden & Coriden, LLC for a free consultation. The world of worker’s compensation is at times difficult to navigate. Coriden & Coriden, LLC in Columbus, Indiana, has extensive experience in worker’s compensation and is here to help you navigate the laws and litigation that accompany sometimes murky laws and to make sure you get the compensation which you deserve.

Qualifying

The state of Indiana defines temporary partial disability as “when an injured worker is only partially unable to work for a temporary period because of a work-related injury.”

To qualify, as with any other disability claim, certain conditions must be met and procedures followed. The benefits may only be given as part of a work-related injury, which differs depending on position and injury.

Eligibility

  • Indiana state law states that to be eligible for worker’s compensation, an employee must have an elimination period, or period in which an employee cannot perform regular work, for at least seven days to be eligible. The seven days do not have to be consecutive.
  • Temporary Partial Disability lasts a maximum of 300 weeks.
  • If you are capable of any work, regardless of whether it is your job or not, and if the employer can accommodate your medical/doctor’s restrictions, you must work to be eligible for benefits.
  • To qualify for the program, employees must have been employed for a minimum of six months.

To remain eligible, the following is required:

  • Current Diagnosis
  • Current Disability Status
  • Expected Return to Work Date
  • Doctor’s Signature
  • Date Signed
  • Dates of Treatment
  • Current Work Restrictions.

Most Common Worker’s Compensation Injuries

A variety of injuries can occur on the job, and compensation depends on their severity and time needed to heal. According to Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents, the most common causes of Worker’s Compensation Injuries are:

Overexertion

Overexertion is the most common injury leading to worker’s compensation claims. It arises when one lifts, pulls, pushes or throws an object, causing injury such as a strain or sprain. This injury occurs when a muscle is pulled or a joint is forced to move beyond its typical range of motion.

Slip or Trip and Falls

Oftentimes the cause of the slip and fall is a slippery floor or snowy walkway; it can also be caused by inadequate lighting.

Fall to Lower Level

Falls to a lower level typically happen when a worker falls off a ladder or roof or falls down a flight of stairs.

Bodily Reaction

A bodily reaction injury may occur when one trips or slips, avoids falling, but still sustains an injury such as a twisted or sprained ankle.

Struck by Object

This injury occurs most commonly when something falls off a shelf or things are dropped by another worker onto a lower level.

Repetitive Motion

A repetitive injury is hard to pin-point, but is harder to prove. These injuries stem from workers using the same motions over and over, such as on an assembly line.

Legal Help

Legal advice is always recommended for any claim, especially if an injury has a lasting impact on your health and life. If you require surgery or ongoing medical care, seeking counsel and advice is strongly advised. The interests of the insurance company are not always the same as your interests; legal counsel can help you obtain correct and accurate information concerning exactly what you are entitled to, and may help you find the legal avenues, resources, and procedures to pursue your claim, including understanding your status regarding MMI.

Coriden & Coriden, LLC is centrally located in Columbus, Indiana, and has the experience and the resources to help you obtain the compensation which you deserve. Experienced in all facets of worker’s compensation law, Coriden & Coriden, LLC is here to give you the legal protections you need.

Attorney Tim Coriden

Attorney Tim Coriden is a Partner with Coriden & Coriden, LLC and concentrates his practice in the areas of Worker’s Compensation and Civil Litigation. Tim represents clients from Indiana and other states, advocating on their behalf in disputed claims and threatened or pending litigation. Mr. Coriden has successfully served as counsel in dozens of jury trials and administrative hearings throughout Indiana. Tim routinely advises both clients and attorneys alike on the rights and remedies bestowed upon injured workers within the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Act. [ Attorney Bio ]