When you are injured and cannot return to work, you may receive temporary total disability benefits (TTD) to cover a portion of your lost wages until you recover.
Every North Carolina employer must cover injuries from workplace accidents with workers’ compensation insurance. When your doctor orders you not to return to work after an injury, you might be eligible for temporary total disability benefits.
When you are injured on the job in North Carolina, you will file a workers’ comp TTD claim to receive benefits. If your employer refuses to cooperate with your claim or your claim is denied, you may need an attorney.
An attorney can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation and disability system, including communicating with the government agency, the North Carolina Industrial Commission, that manages it.
The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at EMP Law have decades of experience helping injured North Carolina workers, and we can help you enforce your rights to TTD disability benefits and fair treatment in the workplace.
Give us a call at (336) 724-2828, or fill out our online form today to get started.
What Does TTD Stand For?
TTD stands for “temporary total disability.”
TTD is a type of workers’ compensation benefit that provides financial assistance to employees who cannot work for a limited period due to a work-related injury.
TTD benefits help replace lost wages while you are recovering from an injury and are under medical restrictions. The North Carolina Industrial Commission manages workers’ comp and TTD claims in North Carolina.
What Qualifies as Temporary Total Disability For Workers’ Comp?
To qualify for TTD workers’ comp benefits, the employee must have a work-related injury that is temporarily preventing them from working.
The employee must also be under the care of a physician or other medical provider who treats the injury and who recommends not returning to work. In addition, if the physician provides work restrictions that the employer cannot accommodate, then the employee also qualifies for TTD benefits.
Some examples of injuries or illnesses that may qualify for workers’ comp TTD in North Carolina include:
Back Injuries
Back injuries are common in jobs that require heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or prolonged periods of standing or sitting. If an employee suffers a work-related back injury that prevents them from working for a limited period, or provides work restrictions that cannot be accommodated, they may be eligible for TTD benefits.
Broken Bones
A work-related broken bone, such as a fractured arm or leg, can make it impossible for an employee to perform their duties. TTD benefits may be available to provide wage replacement while the employee recovers.
Severe Burns
Many workplace hazards can cause burns, such as chemicals or hot equipment. Severe burns may require hospitalization and prevent an employee from working for some time.
Vision Loss
Jobs requiring heavy machinery or hazardous materials can sometimes result in work-related eye injuries or vision loss. If an employee’s vision loss prevents them from working, they may be eligible for TTD benefits.
Concussions
Concussions can occur in any job that involves physical activity, such as construction or athletics. An employee with a concussion or other head injury who is temporarily unable to work may be eligible for TTD benefits.
TTD benefits can help pay the bills if you cannot work while receiving medical care for your injuries after a workplace accident.
How Long Can I Receive TTD Benefits?
The law limits the amount and duration of TTD benefits to:
- Sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 and 2/3%) of your average weekly wages at the time of the accident, or a minimum of $30 and a maximum of $1,184 per week (for injuries in 2022); and
- A maximum of 500 weeks.
When recovery lasts more than 500 weeks, you can receive an extension if you provide sufficient evidence of total loss of wage-earning capacity under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-29(c).
In addition, generally, you may only receive TTD benefits while your doctor restricts your work or if your inability to perform your job was caused by your injury. As you recover, you can also receive temporary partial disability benefits (TPD) to compensate you for partial wage loss caused by your reduced working hours.
If You Are Injured on the Job, You Need EMP Law
If you have suffered a work-related injury and are unsure about your rights to TTD benefits, EMP Law can help.
Our experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys can help you by:
- Assessing your eligibility for TTD benefits;
- Collecting evidence to support your claim, including medical and financial documentation;
- Negotiating with the insurance company if it denies or disputes your claim;
- Filing an appeal if the North Carolina Industrial Commission denies your claim; and
- Maximizing the benefits that you are entitled to under North Carolina law.
Our team helps employees navigate the often-complex workers’ compensation system and protect their rights during every step of the process. Our attorneys have years of experience handling claims that involve North Carolina workers’ comp laws and procedures.
We serve injured workers across North Carolina, with offices in Winston-Salem and Charlotte.
If you have suffered a workplace injury, contact us online or call (336) 724-2828 today to schedule a consultation to find out how we can help you.
Griff is dedicated to assisting individuals who need assistance with workers' compensation issues, who are the victims of discrimination, or who have suffered a serious injury. He practices primarily in the areas of workers’ compensation, employment, civil rights, and mediation.
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