Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in Fresno. With new developments constantly happening, construction workers are faced with hazards every single day. There is the risk of falls, exposure to harmful materials, or equipment accidents.
When injuries happen at a Fresno construction site, workers may be eligible for financial support through California’s workers’ compensation system. If you are injured, a Fresno construction site accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
It is important to understand the difference between temporary and permanent benefits and how they apply to injured construction workers in Fresno.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are designed to provide income while an injured worker recovers and cannot perform their usual job duties. This can be:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD), which is paid when you are completely unable to work while recovering.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) is paid when you can work but in a limited role, therefore earning less than before.
Temporary disability payments are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This is subject to minimum and maximum limits.
These benefits can last for years, with some states having a statutory cap of 104 weeks. They usually end when you return to work, or your doctor says you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which suggests that your condition is unlikely to improve further.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury leaves you with a long-term or permanent limitation, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These are designed to compensate for long-lasting impairments that affect your ability to earn. There are two categories:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) is where you can still work but at a reduced capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) if you are unable to work completely because of your injury.
A disability rating from your doctor will determine how much you can receive. This rating considers the extent of your injury, your job duties, your age, and how much you were earning before the injury. The higher the rating, the more you may be entitled to, and in some cases, the payments may last a lifetime.
Additional Support for Injured Workers
Fresno construction workers may also qualify for other types of assistance, including:
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB), which are vouchers for education or retraining if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Life Pension Payments that are available to workers with a disability rating between 70% and 99%
- Medical Treatment. California law covers necessary medical care related to the injury, often for life.
The Importance of Legal Help
The workers’ compensation process can be confusing, especially when benefits are denied or delayed. An experienced Fresno workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the system, ensure paperwork is filed correctly, and fight for the full benefits according to your injuries. Legal help is very important when your disability rating is disputed, or your employer’s insurer challenges your claim.
Conclusion
If you are a construction worker in Fresno who has been injured on the job, it is important to understand your rights and the benefits you are entitled to. Temporary and permanent disability payments can help you stay financially afloat while you heal and adjust to life after an injury.
