Types of Minnesota Workers Compensation Benefits
Although the law controls the specific amounts duration and types of benefits in effect at the time of the injury, there are four main types of Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits available to an injured worker.
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Wage Replacement Benefits
Temporary total disability benefits (TTD). TTD benefits are a form of compensation available to an injured employee who is unable to work because of the work injury, or who is released to work with restrictions but is unable to find work within those restrictions. The TTD rate is two-thirds of the employee’s gross wage at the time of the injury, subject to certain maximum and minimums.
Temporary partial disability benefits (TPD). TPD benefits are partial wage loss compensation for an injured employee who is back to work but is earning less than the date of injury wage due to the effects of a work injury. TPD is calculated at two-thirds of the difference between the pre-injury wage and the employee’s current ability to earn.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD). PTD benefits are wage loss compensation where the injured employee’s physical disability causes the employee to be unable to find anything more than occasional employment resulting in an insubstantial income. This means that the worker cannot secure a steady job and earn a living from work. The rate payable for PTD benefit is two-thirds of the employee’s gross weekly wage at the time of the injury.
Functional Impairment or Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)
Permanent partial disability or “permanency” is a payment for the loss of use of or the loss of body function. These benefits are paid according to the compensation schedule established by the Workers’ Compensation Division. The amount and duration of the benefit are controlled by the permanent partial disability rating. It may be payable in one lump sum or in weekly increments. In cases where there is no specific schedule for that injury, the courts have allowed what is called a “Weber” rating. Under Weber, a doctor may provide an alternative permanent disability rating. See Minnesota Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
Medical Benefits
The employer and insurer are responsible for payment of “reasonable and necessary” medical treatment, which will aid in curing or relieving the effects of the work injury. Covered treatments include hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic services, injection therapy, chronic pain management and many other forms of medical care. The right to receive these benefits may be impacted by the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Treatment Parameters depending on various factors including whether the injury is admitted or denied. See Minnesota Workers Compensation Medical Benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation benefits are designed to assist the injured worker returning to former employment or to a job related to that employment. In the alternative, rehabilitation services assist the injured employee to return to a job in another work area, which produces an economic status as close as possible to that enjoyed but for the disability. This assistance may include direct job placement, on-the-job training or formal retraining. Rehabilitation services can include the use of a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (“QRC”) to help with medical management, return to work, and job placement. See Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits | QRC
Dependency Benefits
After the death of a loved one, the dependents (mother, father, son, daughter, father, mother, etc) may be entitled to dependency benefits. See more at Dependency Benefits.
Let Jerry Help You
Since 2008, Jerry Sisk has been protecting injured workers rights in Minnesota workers compensation matters. Jerry’s experienced and knowledgeable staff can answer all of your legal questions, and provide you assistance to get through this process.
If you believe you are entitled to workers compensation benefits, please call Minnesota workers compensation attorney Jerry Sisk at 855-354-2667. Consultations are free and help is available 24 hours day/7 days a week. We look forward to fighting on your behalf and getting you the money you deserve.
WC FAQ
What types of injuries are covered?
Injuries to the neck, back, and shoulder are some of the most common. For a more complete list please visit our practice area page. If you don’t see a particular type of injury it still may be covered.
What types of benefits are paid?
Wage loss, permanent partial disability, medical, and vocational rehabilitation services are all eligible benefits under workers’ compensation. For a more detailed explanation regarding these benefits, please visit our videos page.
How do I get treatment for my injury?
For “reasonable and necessary” treatment it is the employer and their insurer who are responsible for payment. Both hospitalization and surgery are covered. Any therapy for physical and pain management treatment is also covered under workers’ compensation benefits.
How can I afford a lawyer to help me?
We do not charge any fees to consult and discuss your workers’ compensation case. No fees are charged unless you wish to retain our services AND we are able to recover benefits on your behalf. If we do not recover any benefits, you won’t owe us anything.