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How long can I receive workers’ compensation benefits?

On Behalf of | Jul 28, 2020 | Workers' Compensation

After you have been injured on the job and applied for workers’ compensation, you probably have a variety of concerns. Can I rely on workers’ comp benefits to support me? Will I receive enough to cover my medical bills? What will my life look like next week, next month or even next year if I have lost the ability to work?

For many, one of the biggest questions is whether their benefits will support them until the end of their recovery. The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board provides guidelines based on the different types of injuries suffered and how much they impact your ability to earn a living.

If you experience a permanent partial disability, the amount of time you receive benefits depends on how your injuries impact your earning capability. Workers who suffer injuries that have a 0 percent to 15 percent impact on their ability to earn wages, for example, can receive benefits for a maximum of 225 weeks (just over 4 years).

For more devastating injuries, however, benefits can last longer. People who have a 95 percent to 100 percent loss of their ability to earn wages can receive workers’ compensation for a little over 10 years.

If the injury results in a permanent disability as a result of a workplace injury, the amount of time they can receive compensation depends on whether their disability is total or partial.

The state has guidelines for how to determine impairment. Workers who have experienced an injury that is totally disabling and can no longer earn wages as a result receive benefits for much longer. By law, no limit is set to the amount of time they can receive workers’ compensation.

If you or a loved one has concerns about whether workers’ compensation will give you the support you need, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney about your case. Your lawyer can discuss the particulars of your case and help you find answers to your questions.