If you suffer from a job-related injury or illness in Oklahoma, causing you to become permanently disabled, you may be eligible to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. It is important to understand what benefits those with a permanent disability can seek.
Permanent partial impairment benefits
One benefit that might be sought by those with a permanent, but not total, disability that they suffered due to their job is permanent partial impairment (PPI) benefits. PPI benefits are calculated based on the type of disability the worker suffers from and its extent, as indicated on a schedule found in state law. Those who are deemed permanently partially impaired are expected to be able to perform some type of work in the future, even if it is not the same job they had when they were injured or made ill.
Permanent total disability benefits
Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits on the other hand are available to those who have been totally and permanently disabled due to an on-the-job injury or illness. PTD benefits will last until the worker reaches the maximum Social Security retirement benefits age, or they will last for 15 years, whichever amount of time is longer. The amount of benefits issued is set by law.
Understand your options if you are permanently disabled
Being permanently injured or made ill due to your job is disheartening and stressful. You may be mourning the loss of use of part or all of your body and you may be concerned about how you will pay for your medical care and daily living expenses, especially if you have a family to provide for. This brief overview of permanent disability benefits cannot guarantee eligibility for any person’s specific circumstances. Thus, those facing a permanent disability due to an on-the-job injury or illness will want to seek the legal help needed to better understand their workers’ compensation options moving forward.