Permanent Disability Claims Under Minnesota Workers’ Compensation

When you are off work recuperating from a work injury, you can collect Temporary Total Disability wage loss payments. But what happens if you never recover enough to go back to work? Or what happens if you can still work but part of your body was permanently damaged?

The law firm of Thill & Freeman, PLLC represents injured workers in both of these scenarios. We will work to secure and protect your ongoing benefits for permanent injury. We can also negotiate a lump sum settlement of your disability claim. Call 952-232-1752 to talk to our experienced attorney, Mark Freeman.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

You may qualify for permanent total disability, or PTD, if your severe injury prevents you from ever returning to gainful employment. If you are permanently unable to work because of a job-related injury or illness, PTD pays two-thirds of the average weekly wage you were earning. Permanent total disability is paid weekly and continues to age 67. Certain injuries. such as loss of both legs, automatically qualify for PTD. In other cases, we must demonstrate that your cumulative impairments add up to total disability.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

If you have lost the use of part of your body but you are still able to work, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. Examples of permanent partial disability include amputations, back injuries, hearing loss and nerve damage.

PPD is a scheduled loss benefit, meaning that compensation is based on a chart. Each body part or bodily function is assigned a specific value, expressed in weeks of pay. Once you reach maximum medical improvement, a doctor will assign a functional impairment rating from 0 to 100 percent. The dollar amount of your PPD benefit is calculated from your impairment rating times the scheduled amount for that injury.

Disability Settlements

You can elect to receive PTD and PPD as weekly payments, or you can settle your claim for a lump sum cash award. This decision should not be made lightly. By closing your claim you might be forfeiting future medical care. And if your disability gets worse over time, you would be waiving your right to additional compensation. Mark Freeman can help you determine if a lump sum settlement makes sense in your circumstances and negotiate the terms.

Strong And Experienced Advocacy

Mark Freeman has practiced in Minnesota workers’ compensation law for over 30 years. He knows how to challenge a low impairment rating, a denial of permanent disability claim, or an attempt to terminate your benefits. Thill & Freeman, PLLC serves injured workers in St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Edina and the West Metro, and welcomes cases throughout the Twin Cities and statewide.

Call 952-232-1752 to arrange a free initial consultation and case evaluation, or use our online form.