How To Determine If You're Entitled To Partial Disability Benefits
After you have been injured at work, you may be concerned about whether you are too injured to continue to meet the obligations of your position. From the perspective of a workers' compensation insurance provider, you may be considered partially or fully disabled. Whether you are considered partially or fully disabled affects the benefits you will receive.
Partial Vs. Total Disability
Workers who become injured at work will often be unable to perform heavy labor. For example, you might be unable to climb onto a roof and remove shingles. However, you may be able to carry out lighter duties such as handling customer service.
Your Right to Workers' Compensation Benefits
When you are injured at work, you might be entitled to workers' compensation benefits if you are able to prove that you were injured as a result of work-related activities. The compensation you receive will also be based on the extent to which your injuries prevent you from working.
Each state has a workers' compensation program, but how the program works can vary from state to state. If you are confused about your workers' compensation insurance program, it's important to speak with a workers' compensation attorney so you can defend your rights.
The Insurance Provider Might Dispute Your Disability Status
One issue that might be disputed is whether you are considered to be partially or fully injured. You will usually need to undergo a medical examination to determine the full extent of your injuries.
The medical examiner will assign a percentage that indicates your capacity to do your job in light of your injuries. However, the workers' compensation insurance provider might dispute this percentage and request that you instead undergo a Qualified Medical Examination.
What to Expect with a Qualified Medical Examination
When you undergo the examination, you have the right to be treated in a professional manner. You have the right to not undergo unnecessary examinations or procedures. If you are concerned about how you are being treated, you should bring this up with your workers' compensation attorney because you might have grounds to terminate the evaluation. But even if your rights are respected, it's important to be careful what you say and to stick to the facts of your case.
As you are recovering from your injury, you will need to receive follow-up examinations. Your doctor might determine that you have reached the state of maximum medical improvement. If so, you may be put on permanent disability and will receive permanent disability benefits.
To learn more, contact a workers' comp law firm in your area such as Bollenbeck Law, S.C.