Temporary disability provides you with payments to aid you in your recovery when you get inflicted with an injury during your job. Many of those who qualify for it do not realize it, and many of those who think they qualify for it do not actually meet the requirements!
In this article, we want to dive deeper into temporary disability to help you understand what it is about and how you can access it:
1. Qualifying for temporary disability
How do you exactly qualify for temporary disability? Once you file a valid workers' compensation claim for temporary disability and a doctor has deemed you unable to go back to work due to the injury, you may qualify for temporary disability.
However, what would happen if the insurance provider disagreed with your doctor's reports? If that's the case, you will need to look for a qualified medical evaluator and undergo an evaluation to prove your claims. This third party will be responsible for giving an unbiased opinion about your injury, and their decision will determine whether you qualify for temporary disability benefits or not.
2. When you’ll receive temporary disability benefits
Your first payment from the temporary disability benefit should start within two weeks after the doctor has deemed you unable to work and that you have filed for the benefit.
On that note, if your injury has stopped you from working for over two weeks, retroactive benefits will kick in starting the day you got injured. This type of benefit generally lasts 104 weeks in California, but depending on the specifics of the injury, you can have up to 240 weeks' worth of retroactive payments.
3. Amount received from temporary disability benefits
The amount you receive from the temporary disability benefits will depend on the gross wages you are making. Generally, temporary disability benefits only pay two-thirds of your total wages. Take note that in California, there will be a maximum limit to the amount you can receive, and that amount can change every year.
In other words, the amount you get from your temporary disability benefit will differ from what others may receive. If you are looking to understand exactly just how much you are going to get, working with a workers' compensation lawyer can help you know what you can expect out of it.
Conclusion
In summary, temporary disability benefits are something you can access to provide you with the money you would have earned if you were still working had you not been injured. It can help alleviate some of your financial burdens,
If you are planning to file for temporary disability benefits because of your injuries, we highly recommend working with a professional lawyer who is an expert on the subject. Not only will they help to determine the amount you should be getting, but they increase your chances of successfully qualifying for the benefit to ensure you get the financial support you need during your recovery.
Pacific Workers’ are the best workers' compensation lawyers in Northern California, offering the support clients need to successfully claim their workers' compensation benefits. Contact us today at 800-606-6999 to get your free consultation!
