Maybe you work in a warehouse in Franklin and hurt your back while lifting heavy boxes. At first, you think the pain will go away, but soon it becomes clear that you cannot work. Now you are facing medical bills and lost wages while you recover. This is where workers’ compensation comes in. Workers’ compensation is designed to help employees like you who get hurt on the job. At the Law Office of James F. White, we are here to make sure you understand how long your benefits will last and what you are entitled to under Massachusetts law.
How long you can receive workers’ comp depends on how serious your injury is:
Temporary Total Incapacity (TTI): If your injury keeps you from working completely, but you are expected to recover, you can get benefits for up to 156 weeks. For example, if you hurt your back and cannot work at all for several months, you could receive benefits for that time. However, you will not start getting benefits until you have been out of work for 5 days, and your injury must last more than 21 days.
Temporary Partial Incapacity (TPI): If you can still work but at a reduced capacity, you can receive benefits for up to 260 weeks. For instance, if you injure your shoulder and can only work part-time or take on a less physically demanding job, you may qualify for partial benefits to make up for your reduced pay.
Permanent Total Incapacity (PTI): If your injury is permanent and prevents you from ever working again, you could receive lifetime benefits. These benefits pay 66% of your average weekly wages and can continue indefinitely as long as you are unable to work.
If your temporary benefits are about to expire, but you have not fully recovered, you may be able to extend them. This depends on your specific injury and recovery process. It is important to speak with a Franklin workers’ comp lawyer to help you through the renewal process and ensure your benefits continue for as long as you need them.
For workers who suffer permanent injuries, like losing a limb or losing vision in an eye, Massachusetts workers’ compensation offers a one-time payment. This payment is based on the severity of the injury and is intended to help workers adjust to their new circumstances. These payments are separate from ongoing wage-loss benefits.
In addition to wage-loss payments, workers’ compensation also covers your medical bills related to the injury. This includes surgeries, medications, therapy, and any long-term care you might need. These benefits will last as long as you need treatment, but insurance companies may try to challenge the necessity of ongoing care. That is why having a workers’ compensation lawyer in Franklin is important to ensure you get the medical care you deserve.
If you have been injured at work and are unsure about how long your workers’ compensation benefits will last, reach out to the Law Office of James F. White today. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.