How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?

• Medical expenses, including doctor visits, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications.

• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits equal to two-thirds of your average gross weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum payment amount, if you are unable to work while recovering. Eligibility for TTD benefits begins as soon as you are unable to work because of a work-related injury or illness and continue for the duration of the disability. There is no limitation to the period of time TTD will be paid as long as the worker’s treating doctor has not released him or her to return to work. If an injured worker is released for “light duty” and his employer indicates that a “light duty” or “restricted duty” job is not available or does not exist, the injured worker continues to be eligible for TTD benefits. Many times an employer’s insurance company will cease making TTD benefits, however, so it is helpful to enlist the help of an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer like those at Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd. who can advocate on your behalf for the benefits that you deserve.

• Permanent total disability (PTD) or permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits, which are often paid as lump-sum payments. The amount of PTD payments you may receive are based on a percentage of your pre-injury wage, up to a weekly maximum payment amount, and payments may continue for life. The amount of PTD payments you may receive are based on a percentage of your pre-injury wage, up to a weekly maximum payment amount, for up to 500 weeks.

• In some cases, vocational rehabilitation benefits such on-the-job training, schooling, or job placement assistance.

• Lost wage differential, if the injured worker must take a lower paying job as a result of his or her injuries.
In some cases, a destabilization of a claimant’s medical condition may warrant additional workers’ compensation benefits, but the injured worker must file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations. In Curtis v. Village of Lansing, 21 ILWCLB 39 (Ill. App. Ct., 1st 2013), an Illinois appellate court held that an injured police officer was not entitled to additional TTD benefits for a post-surgical recovery period because the benefits were sought after the 30-month statutory limit.
At Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd., our skilled Chicago construction accident lawyers focus on helping injured employees obtain full and fair recovery following a workplace accident. We will help guide you through the worker’s compensation claim process so that you receive the benefits you deserve for as long as possible.
Contact our office at (800) 437-2571 to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys to learn more about the duration of workers’ compensation benefits.