While most workers’ compensation insurance payouts involve a single lump-sum payment, there are instances where the injured worker may receive workers’ comp benefits over an extended period due to, say, a long-term disability. In Sarasota County, FL, for instance, these benefits can extend anywhere from several weeks to several years, depending on various factors, including, among others, the type of injury, job accommodation, and local regulations. Here is detailed information on this topic.
How long does workers’ comp coverage last?
The workers’ comp coverage duration varies by state, and it also depends on the type of injury sustained. A workplace injury can either result in a temporary or permanent disability. A temporary disability makes the injured worker unable to work for a certain length of time, ranging from a few weeks to a few years. On the other hand, a permanent disability makes the casualty unable to work for the rest of their life.
In case of temporary disability, the policyholder will receive weekly benefits for about 4 to 10 years, depending on the state of residence. For permanent disability, the policyholder will get weekly benefits for the rest of their life. Note that in some states, disabled employees may stop receiving permanent disability benefits when they turn 65.
Also, the weekly payout varies depending on the state of residence, injury’s nature, pre-injury income size, and the terms of the workers’ compensation insurance policy. For instance, a worker with a permanent disability can receive workers’ comp benefits totaling up to 60% of their pre-injury income.
Workers’ compensation disability rating scale
To determine the amount of workers’ comp disability benefits, insurance companies usually hire independent professionals to conduct an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE). This involves an investigation to determine the severity of a disability, and it only applies to permanent disability. This evaluation typically occurs once medical professionals have declared that you have attained maximum medical improvement and that your disability is permanent. You also need to have received workers’ comp benefits for about 102 weeks during your injury.
From the Impairment Rating Evaluation, the professionals are able to rate a worker’s injury on a scale of 0 to 100, with the rating increasing with the impairment level. Permanent disability can either be partial or full. Therefore, partial and full disabilities will have ratings of below and above 50, respectively.
Workers’ compensation disability settlement
The impairment rating generated from the evaluation enables the insurance company to determine the amount of compensation to be paid to an injured worker and the duration for which they will receive the benefits. It also determines whether the named worker will eventually be able to return to work or not. Partially disabled workers can return to work even though they won’t have their pre-injury working capability. Those with a full permanent disability won’t be able to work again.
Workers with higher impairment ratings are eligible for more disability benefits than those with lower ratings. For permanent disability, the impairment rating is typically above 50, which means that disabled employees in this category will receive more benefits.
Are you a small business or sole proprietorship looking for workers’ comp insurance in Sarasota, Florida? Call us today at Atlas Insurance Agency for help creating the right coverage program for your line of work. We can customize your insurance plan to suit your budget and unique needs!
