Despite significant safety improvements, Michigan workers still face dangerous conditions that can lead to serious personal injuries. When a workplace accident causes injuries, the injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The amount of benefits an injured worker receives will vary depending on the nature and severity of their injuries and the impact the injuries will have on the worker’s ability to return to work in the future.

If you were injured at work, it is important to understand the types of workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to receive. You should also know that you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation in addition to your claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

When a workplace accident causes personal injuries, an experienced personal injury lawyer can increase the likelihood that your claim for workers’ compensation benefits will be approved. An experienced workplace injury lawyer can also identify all parties who might be responsible for causing your injuries, and help you obtain all of the benefits you are entitled to receive.

What Are the Four Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits for employees who are injured on the job. When a workplace accident causes injuries, there are four types of workers’ compensation benefits you might be entitled to receive.

1. Medical Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Medical benefits cover the cost of medical treatment required to treat your workplace injury or disability. Claims for medical benefits are generally not limited to a specific dollar amount. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage should cover the cost of your medical care and treatment, and any deductibles or copays.

Medical benefits coverage will pay for the cost of medical care and treatment, such as:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital visits
• Medical tests
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment, like braces, wheelchairs, or crutches
• Physical therapy
• Mileage reimbursement to travel to and from doctor appointments

To ensure your medical treatment is covered, it is important that you see a doctor who is authorized under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.

2. Disability Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage will pay benefits depending on the nature of your injuries and the extent of any disability you suffer from a workplace injury.

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits apply when you cannot work after a workplace injury. They are paid when an injured worker cannot work and has a total loss of wages, and when an injured worker is recovering and can perform some job-related functions but the employer cannot provide work that fits within the job restrictions set by the worker’s doctor.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Temporary Partial Disability benefits apply when an employee is working a lower-paying job or works fewer hours because of a workplace injury. TPD benefits are paid until the worker’s condition has stabilized and treatment is unlikely to result in additional improvement.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Permanent Partial Disability benefits are paid when a worker has suffered permanent disabilities that will continue after the injury has healed. PPD is calculated as a percentage of permanent damage to a body part after the worker has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). PPD benefits are calculated according to a schedule that provides a corresponding number of weeks for which benefits are allowed, expressed as a percentage of 1,000 weeks.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Permanent Total Disability benefits are paid for severe, long-lasting, or permanent injuries that prevent a worker from returning to any gainful employment. PTD benefits are paid for life and are equal to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage.

3. Rehabilitation Benefits

If your workplace injury prevents you from returning to work, you may be entitled to rehabilitation benefits to pay for the cost of vocational rehabilitation and other career support services. Rehabilitation benefits help a worker while they complete the training necessary to return to work.

4. Death Benefits

When a workplace accident results in death, the worker’s family is entitled to death benefits. Death benefits also cover the cost of funeral and burial expenses.

How an Attorney Can Help

A workplace injury can threaten your livelihood and your ability to provide for yourself and your family. An attorney can negotiate with your employers’ workers’ compensation insurance provider to ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to. An attorney can also identify other parties who might be responsible for causing your injuries and hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

If you or someone you love was injured on the job, Michigan Injury Attorneys can help. To learn more about workers’ compensation benefits, contact us today to schedule a free appointment to discuss your claims.