What are Temporary Disability Benefits?

In the state of North Carolina, a worker who gets hurt on-the-job is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including disability benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided to anyone harmed performing work duties. The duration and amount of disability benefits a worker is entitled to will vary depending on the severity of the injury.

Sometimes, an injury will result in an employee being temporarily unable to work. If this is the case, the employee can receive temporary disability benefits for total incapacity.  North Carolina code section §97-29 establishes rates for disability benefits and rules for the duration of compensation for total incapacity.

In other circumstances, an injury will reduce earning power for an employee on a temporary basis, but the employee may still be able to do some work. Under these circumstances, the injured employee can receive partial disability income. The amount of income will be based upon the reduction in earnings that can be attributed to the employee’s work-related injury.

Both full and partial temporary disability benefits do not last forever. When a worker returns to work, or when an employee reaches maximum medical improvement and will no longer recover, temporary disability benefits can stop. If the worker has resumed full earning power, no further benefits will be paid. If the individual remains permanently disabled, permanent disability benefits may be available.

A Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney can provide help to injured employees in understanding their options for benefits. To find out more, contact a workers’ comp lawyer as soon as you get hurt.