Temporary Total Disability and Benefits

Workplace injuries can often leave employees unable to work for a period of time as they recover. During this recovery period, injured workers may have a temporary total disability, and benefits can provide crucial financial support and cover necessary medical expenses. Temporary total disability benefits are a vital part of Maryland’s workers’ compensation system, as they enable employees who cannot work due to a job-related injury or illness to maintain financial stability until they can return to their duties. The process of recovering such benefits can be complicated, though, and it is prudent for anyone pursuing such benefits to speak with an attorney. If you need assistance pursuing temporary total disability benefits, the seasoned Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., can evaluate your case and craft persuasive arguments on your behalf to help you seek a just outcome. We represent workers in Greenbelt, Hyattsville, and throughout Maryland who need assistance obtaining the benefits they deserve.

Temporary total disability refers to a condition in which an injured worker is completely unable to perform their job duties for a temporary period due to a workplace injury or illness. Maryland law provides temporary total disability benefits to replace a portion of the worker’s lost income during this time, enabling them to focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial instability. These benefits are critical for workers who are facing extensive medical treatments, physical therapy, or surgeries that prevent them from resuming their regular duties.

Common injuries that result in temporary total disability include fractures, severe sprains, torn ligaments, and other conditions that require substantial time to heal. Occupational illnesses, such as respiratory conditions caused by workplace exposure, may also qualify if they temporarily incapacitate the worker. The duration of temporary total disability depends on the nature of the injury and the time it takes for the employee to reach maximum medical improvement, at which point they may return to work or transition to other types of benefits if they have lasting impairments. Without access to temporary total disability benefits, injured workers may struggle to pay medical bills, cover basic living expenses, and support their families during recovery.

In Maryland, workers’ compensation benefits, including temporary total disability benefits, are available to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses arising out of and during the course of their employment. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers are typically eligible as long as the injury or illness is job-related. However, volunteers and independent contractors are generally excluded.

To qualify for temporary total disability benefits, a worker must provide medical evidence that their injury or illness prevents them from performing any job duties during the recovery period. These benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a state-mandated maximum. Payments continue until the worker is cleared by a physician to return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement.

In addition to wage replacement, temporary total disability benefits may include coverage for medical expenses related to a workplace injury, such as hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitative care. Workers are entitled to these benefits regardless of fault, meaning that even if the injury resulted from a mistake on the part of the employee, they can still receive compensation.

If you are temporarily unable to work due to a workplace injury or illness, pursuing temporary total disability benefits can provide the financial support you need to recover. The claims process can be overwhelming, however, and you should meet with a capable attorney to determine the best manner to proceed. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our capable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys understand the life-changing effect of disability benefits, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, as well as all counties in the State of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential meeting, please contact us online or call us at (301) 441-2022.