Replacing Your Lost Earnings
Workers' Compensation Disability Benefits
If you cannot return to your regular work duties after you were injured on the job, you are entitled to employer-paid benefits to make up for your lost wages. However, there are many reasons to hire a lawyer to enforce your rights:
— For starters, your wage loss claim may be rejected as not work-related or as a pre-existing condition.
— Your degree of disability may be downplayed, reducing your benefits.
— Your insurer may try to terminate disability pay before you are as well as you are going to get.
The Law Offices of Peter Hansen in Portland, Oregon, asserts your rights in initial claims for benefits or in appeals of denied claims. Contact us as soon as you know you will miss work. We have helped injured workers throughout west Oregon and offer a free consultation.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
After your injury keeps you off the job for three days, you are entitled to temporary total disability payments for wage loss. You are paid two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to a maximum amount) every two weeks until:
- You are released by a doctor to return to your regular job
- You are released to light duty, with continued benefits to make up any difference in pay
- You are deemed medically stationary (no further time or treatment will improve your condition).
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
If you suffered permanent loss of function or loss of a body part, you will receive compensation based on the level of impairment, social and vocational factors. You can receive a partial disability award even if you can still work or return to your regular work. We can also appeal if you disagree with their assessment of the degree of disability.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
If you cannot return to your job or work in any capacity for poverty level wages, you are entitled to lifetime monthly benefits, and a spouse and dependents receives benefits if you die. The Law Offices of Peter Hansen steps in to arrange independent documentation if the insurer disputes that you are disabled. We can also help manage any offsets from Social Security disability or a third party lawsuit.
Should I Take the Cash Settlement?
The insurance company may offer a lump sum settlement in lieu of current and or future benefits. This is often a bad idea because it terminates future coverage. Mr. Hansen can advise on whether it makes sense for your particular circumstances.
Attorney Peter Hansen has 33 years of experience in Oregon workers' compensation claims and appeals. He can meet you at our Portland, Gresham or Tillamook locations, or he can come to you if you are in the hospital or homebound. Call us today at 503-821-7934 or 866-661-8679 to arrange a free consultation about wage loss benefits for a temporary or permanent disability.
