In some cases, workplace accidents can be completely unexpected and devastating. You may have been left paralyzed, blinded, or with other serious physical limitations. If this has happened to you, the last thing you want to worry about is finances, especially if you have a family to support. Fortunately, if you are left entirely unable to work after your on-the-job injury, you may be entitled to permanent and total disability workers’ compensation benefits. But how much can you expect to receive in benefits weekly? Are you eligible for permanent and total incapacity compensation? These questions and more can be answered by a qualified worker’s compensation attorney.
Who is Eligible for Permanent and Total Disability Benefits?
In order to be eligible for permanent and total disability benefits, you must be totally and permanently unable to perform any kind of work as a result of a workplace injury for the foreseeable future. Workers who are eligible for permanent and total disability compensation have usually been injured in a catastrophic accident.
Note: You do not have to use all of your temporary disability benefits before applying for permanent compensation.
How Are Permanent and Total Disability Benefits Calculated?
To determine your permanent and total disability benefits, you must first calculate your average weekly wage. To do this, take your overall wages for the 12 months immediately prior to your injury and divide by 52 weeks. If you are eligible for permanent and total disability compensation, you could receive 60 percent of this average weekly wage, adjusted annually based on the cost of living.
Note: To come up with a more specific estimate, speak with a workers’ comp attorney who can factor in your unique circumstances.
When do Permanent and Total Disability Benefits Stops?
Permanent and total disability workers’ compensation benefits are paid out to you weekly for as long as you are disabled. There are no time limits. This means you could potentially receive payments for your entire life.
Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Attorney
There are a wide variety of different benefits you may be entitled to after a workplace accident. It can be overwhelming to figure out which benefit you’re entitled to and how to go about getting the compensation you deserve. At Powers & Caccavale, our legal team is ready to stand beside you through every step of the process. If you need help or just have questions you need answered, contact us today for a free case evaluation or by calling us at (617) 379-0016.