If your injuries result in permanent disability that will effectively prevent you from working ever again, you may be eligible to receive Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits. PTD will pay long-term weekly benefits equal to two-thirds of your gross weekly earnings at the time of the injury or 65% of the state average weekly wage. These workers’ compensation benefits can help you survive financially when you are unable to work. Let the experienced attorneys at Meshbesher Law Firm help you secure the benefits you need.
In Minnesota, PTD benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage at the time of injury, within the state’s maximum and minimum weekly limits. The minimum rate equals 65 percent of the statewide average weekly wage.
State law lists specific conditions that automatically qualify as permanently and totally disabling. These conditions include:
You do not have to have one of these conditions to qualify for PTD, however. You need only show that your work-related disability makes you permanently unable to secure consistent, gainful employment and produce substantial income.
In addition, for injuries after October 1, 1995, you must also meet one of the following standards:
PTD benefits generally continue until age 72, but if you were older than 67 when you got hurt, they end after five years of payments. Once an insurer has paid you $25,000 in PTD benefits, it can reduce your weekly payments by the amount of any Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you receive for the same injury.
Medical evidence plays a central role in permanent total disability claims. You will need documentation from doctors to prove the extent of your injuries, your ability to work, and whether your condition will improve. Insurers will arrange their own independent medical and vocational exams for these high-value claims, which can lead to disputes about your limitations.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you demonstrate your eligibility for PTD benefits by gathering records from your treating doctors and identifying gaps in documentation. They can also work with medical and vocational experts to obtain clear opinions that support your claim. Strong, consistent medical and vocational evidence substantially increases your chance of approval.
If you suffered an injury on the job, there are options available to you. We can answer your questions and help you determine what actions you should take.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 612-349-5215 or send us an email.
