When a worker gets injured on the job in Illinois, they may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages and disability payments. Disability ratings play a key role in determining the amount of compensation an injured worker may receive.
You should understand the differences and what they mean for your case.
Temporary disability ratings
Temporary disability refers to the period when an injured worker is unable to work while recovering from their injuries. There are two types of temporary disability. In temporary total disability, the worker is completely unable to work during the period. Temporary partial disability, on the other hand, indicates that the worker can perform some job duties but only under limited hours or with restrictions. During the temporary disability period, the worker receives a portion of their average weekly wage, typically two-thirds, subject to certain limits.
Permanent disability ratings
Once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement, meaning their condition is not expected to improve further with treatment, they might receive a permanent disability rating. That rating may reflect permanent partial disability or permanent total disability.
With a permanent partial disability, workers have a permanent impairment but can still perform some job duties. Those with a permanent total disability are permanently unable to work as a result of their injuries. The permanent disability rating is a percentage of loss of use or function of the affected body part or the whole person.
Impact on compensation
The permanent disability rating directly affects the amount of compensation an injured worker may receive. For PPD, the compensation calculation uses a formula that considers the worker’s average weekly wage, the percentage of disability and the statutory value assigned to the affected body part.
If you get injured on the job, work closely with medical professionals and familiarize yourself with the disability rating process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.