How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?

If you suffered an injury at work and received workers’ compensation benefits, then the next question becomes how long do those benefits last? This can be especially important for wage loss benefits. From state to state and situation to situation, the answer to that rather simple question can vary. To ensure you get the information you need, get help from Meshbesher Law Firm.

Wage Loss Benefits In Minnesota

While payment for medical benefits occurs in a timely manner, lost wages benefits may go on for some time. Following a workplace accident, you have three potential benefits that will come with workers’ compensation.

  • Temporary total disability – Benefits paid to someone who is temporarily off work due to their injury
  • Temporary partial disability – Benefits for someone who is working after an injury with physical restrictions that prevent them from getting paid the same amount as before
  • Permanent total disability – Benefits paid to someone permanently unemployable due to an injury

How Long Do Temporary Disability Benefits Last?

The maximum time frame for temporary total disability benefits is 130 weeks. Compensation time depends on your injury, but you may be able to predict the results by consulting with your doctor regarding healing time and any rehabilitation time.

Currently, you can only receive temporary partial disability benefits for a maximum of 225 weeks. This is long enough to hopefully rehabilitate and return to normal work duties and wages or to acclimate to a new position.

How Long Do Permanent Total Disability Benefits Last?

You would expect a benefit with “permanent” in the name to actually mean permanent. Unfortunately, under Minnesota workers’ compensation law, permanent doesn’t mean permanent. After some changes, there is now a retirement presumption, albeit a generous one, where the benefits stop at age 67.

Keep in mind, there is a clause that states that you can try to persuade a workers’ comp judge that you would not have retired at age 67. If you win, your insurance company will be forced to continue paying. But as you can imagine, not many are able to prove such a claim, particularly when they have been out of work due to an injury.

Ensure Your Benefits Last Through Your Recovery

Employers and insurance providers frequently try to end benefits before an employee fully recovers. Do not let that happen to you. Ensure you get the benefits you need by contacting our firm online or by calling 612-349-5215 to schedule a free consultation.