When individuals are injured in the workplace affecting their ability to work, they are eligible for benefits through workers’ compensation. Part of the process for making a workers’ compensation claim involves receiving a designation of one’s disability level. There are four designations, each of which allows workers to get varying compensation. In this article, we’ll define temporary total disability, one of the four levels.

Key Takeaways

• Temporary total disability (TTD) is a type of disability defined under workers’ compensation
• Temporary total disability is defined as a state in which a worker is injured in a way that temporarily prevents them from being able to work in any capacity
• Temporary total disability benefits will typically last until an individual can go back to work

What Is Temporary Total Disability (TTD)?

Temporary total disability (TTD), as opposed to temporary partial disability, is a designation of disability level for the purposes of workers’ compensation. It is one of the four designations, including:

• Permanent total disability (PTD)
• Permanent partial disability (PPD)
• Temporary total disability (TTD)
• Temporary partial disability (TPD)

These disability divisions are used to determine the benefits that individuals are eligible for if they make a workers’ compensation claim following an injury that affects their ability to work.

Temporary total disability refers to an injury that has completely prevented the employee from performing any job functions, but only temporarily. The employee is expected to make a full recovery and return to work. In the meantime, workers’ compensation will pay temporary total disability benefits to help them until they can return to earning a wage. 

The exact amount given to individuals for temporary total disability benefits varies from state to state, but is usually paid as a percentage of weekly wages. A common percentage is two-thirds, but it is recommended to check with your state for official numbers. 

Temporary total disability benefits will typically last until the individual can return to working up to a certain length of time determined by the state. They may also be discontinued under certain circumstances, such as:

• The employee withdraws from the labor market for reasons other than the injury
• The employee is released to return to work and fails to undergo a diligent job search
• The employee refuses an offer of gainful work
• The employee has received a report that he or she has reached maximum medical improvement

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) in Personal Injury Law

Because of the various designations of disability and all of the varying laws about disability benefits, workers’ compensation claims can become quite complicated. Yet the outcome of your claim and the disability designation you receive are incredibly important, determining whether or not you can receive the help you need to get by while your injuries prevent you from working. 

This is why it is recommended to work with a personal injury attorney to help you file your workers’ compensation claim. An experienced lawyer will be able to help walk you through the claims process, fill out the relevant paperwork, provide the evidence necessary to prove your injuries, ensure that you are given the correct disability designation, and ultimately help you receive the fairest possible compensation.