In workers’ compensation terms, TTD means “temporary total disability.” The term refers to a type of benefit the victim of a workplace injury may qualify to receive based on their injuries and the outlook for their condition. In addition to medical care, workers eligible for TTD benefits may be eligible for compensation for lost wages.
Victims who experienced one-time accidents or developed an illness at work have a right to receive workers’ compensation benefits for required medical care and, in some cases, loss of income. If you suffered an occupational injury or illness while at work because of your job, then a lawyer could help you determine if you qualify for TTD and seek fair compensation in your case.
TTD Benefits in Workers’ Compensation Claims
In many cases, those who suffer injuries in the workplace can receive prompt medical care and return to work quickly. While the State of California mandates their employer to pay for their medical care, they would not qualify for additional benefits. However, if their injury or illness prevented them from returning to work within a certain time, they could also receive temporary disability benefits.
What TTD Covers
At a minimum, workers’ compensation benefits cover the employee’s medical expenses related to their occupational injury. Cases involving more extensive injury, such as temporary disability, may also qualify for benefits to cover lost wages. Recipients of temporary disability do not pay taxes of any kind, union fees, or retirement contributions on their benefits.
What TTD means for you as far as the number of benefits you may receive depends on the specifics of your condition. Still, employers often provide two-thirds of their recovering employee’s pay until they can return to work.
As the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) notes, certain circumstances can make determining an exact figure for TTD benefits challenging, such as:
- Having more than one job
- Fluctuating wages
- Seasonal jobs
- Receipt of other types of income
- Delayed receipt of benefits
- Planned wage increase before an injury
A lawyer can help you determine the types and amounts of workers’ compensation you might receive for your temporary disability.
Who Qualifies for TTD
If you had to stay overnight at the hospital because of your injury or your doctor determined you cannot return to work for more than three days, you might qualify for TTD benefits. Even if your injury restricts you from returning to your previous position, though, your employer could offer you a different position with equal wages. In these instances, you cannot apply for TTD benefits as you have the opportunity to make the same income while you recover.
Limits on TTD Benefits
California workers’ compensation law, California Labor Code (LAB) §4650, typically allows employees who suffer injuries in the workplace that lead to temporary disabilities to receive payment for their medical care and a portion of their wages up to a certain amount. As of 2020, employees can receive a minimum of $194.91 per week and a maximum of just under $1,300 per week, depending on their usual wages.
Victims of occupational injury often receive temporary disability benefits until they can return to their previous positions. However, California does impose a limit on how long workers can benefit from payments. For the majority of injuries and illnesses, employees can collect TTD for up to 104 weeks within a five-year period. For certain chronic illnesses, the state extends the time limit to 240 weeks.
TTD Could Lead to Other Types of Disabilities
As short-term conditions, temporary total disabilities either improve or worsen over time. As a result, the type of workers’ compensation benefits you receive could change in accordance with your condition and whether you can return to work.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
While TTD means “temporary total disability,” TPD means “temporary partial disability.” This designation refers to benefits provided when an employee cannot yet return to their previous position because of their injury but can work another position that pays lower wages.
Workers who qualify for TPD can receive up to two-thirds of the difference between their usual wages and current wages. For example, if they usually make $900 per week but make $600 per week in their modified position, they can receive up to $200, or two-thirds of the $300 difference in pay per week.
Permanent Disability
If a doctor determines that you cannot recover from your injury, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. Amounts vary based on your specific condition and the degree of your disability. Those with disability ratings of 100% qualify for permanent total disability (PTD) pay, while those deemed 1% through 99% disabled can receive permanent partial disability pay (PPD). Those with a permanent disability usually have the option of receiving a certain amount per week or accepting a lump-sum payment.
A Lawyer Can Help You with Your Workers’ Compensation Case
Employers and their insurance companies sometimes make it difficult for injured employees to receive the benefits they deserve. A lawyer can help you assess your injuries and pursue fair compensation for your occupational injury, especially if you have a complex workers’ compensation case. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 529-9122 to speak with our legal team about your free case evaluation.