If you get injured at work in Missouri, you have the right to seek benefits from workers’ compensation. These benefits are typically decided based on your injury and the impact it has on your ability to work now and in the future. The length of your benefits relies on which type of disability workers’ compensation determines you have. Two of those options are permanent partial and permanent total.
Permanent partial disability, according to the Department of Labor, is any injury that prevents you from doing some of your previous work tasks but does not prevent you from working in another position or job. This means you probably will not be able to return to your previous job, but you will be able to work again in the future. You could qualify for benefits paid at 66.66 percent of your average weekly wages before you were injured. You may be able to settle for a lump sum payment instead of getting payments over time.
Permanent total disability, on the other hand, means your injuries were sever enough that you cannot do any work in any job ever again. These benefits are usually paid at the same percentage as permanent partial disability, but if you have certain conditions, you may qualify for higher benefits. Some of the conditions that may pay out more include bronchiolitis, mesothelioma, asbestosis and silicosis. The law does set maximum payments, though. You can choose to get paid over time or settle for a lump sum.
This information is for education only. It is not intended to be taken as legal advice.