How Long Can You Stay on Workers Compensation in Missouri?

The amount of time when you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation depends on what types of benefits you qualify for.

The workers’ compensation system is designed to protect workers who get injured on the job or develop occupational diseases because of work conditions. Workers’ compensation covers medical treatments until MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) and lost wages for the time you have to be off work or no longer perform the same job because of your injuries.

The amount of time when you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation depends on what types of benefits you qualify for. Let’s discuss these benefits in greater detail.

Temporary Disability

There are two types of temporary disability benefits: 

• Temporary Partial Disability
• Temporary Total Disability 

When receiving temporary benefits, you are generally expected to recover from your injuries or your condition.

TPD (Temporary Partial Disability) is what you receive if your injuries don’t allow you to work at your full capacity but don’t prevent you from having a “lesser” job (maybe fewer working hours or milder working conditions). In Missouri, the limit for receiving TPD is 100 weeks.

TTD (Temporary Total Disability) is received if you cannot perform any work while recovering from your injuries or condition. The limit for receiving TTD is 400 weeks. 

Permanent Disability 

Similarly to temporary benefits, there are two types of permanent disability benefits:

• Permanent Partial Disability
• Permanent Total Disability

You are considered to have a permanent disability if you cannot be expected to recover from your injuries or conditions fully. Of course, this will be established by a doctor. 

PPD (Permanent Partial Disability) is the compensation you receive if your working capacity is limited permanently, but you can still perform some work. The amount you will receive for PPD is generally established based on a rating given to you by a doctor. 

PTD (Permanent Total Disability) means that you cannot perform any work for the rest of your life. Your benefits will continue throughout your life, and they are also based on the rating your doctor gives you.

Why Speak With an Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney?

The workers’ compensation system is quite good at helping employees land on their feet after a work injury. However, just like any legal system, there are nuances, and understanding how everything works can be quite difficult. 

If your work-related injuries or condition leave you with the partial or total inability to work your previous job, get in contact with an experienced St. Louis workers compensation attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. We can help you determine, based on the state laws, how much you can receive and how long they will maximize your chances of getting the compensation you are entitled to.