Don’t be confused when your attorney starts using what sound like made-up words while walking you through your workers comp case. An experienced workers compensation attorney should be able to guide you through everything you need to know. If you find yourself overwhelmed or unable to understand what your lawyer is talking about, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are some of the most commonly used acronyms you may come across during your workers comp case:
TTD
What it means: Temporary Total Disability
What it is: TTD benefits are paid at a rate of about ⅔ your weekly wage and should be paid for each week you’re unable to work due to your injury
TPD
What it means: Temporary Partial Disability
What it is: TPD benefits are paid at a rate of about ⅔ of your weekly wage or wages for a min. 40-hr week (depending on how you’re usually paid), whichever is higher, for as long as you remain disabled and unable to work.
PPD
What it means: Permanent Partial Disability
What it is: PPD benefits are paid at a rate of about ⅔ of your weekly wage or wages for a min. 40-hr week (depending on how you’re usually paid), whichever is higher. PPD is paid to either compensate you for loss of earning capacity or for a percentage of impairment sustained to a particular body part (which is usually assigned by your medical doctor).
MMI
What it means: Maximum Medical Improvement
What it is: This is usually the point at which you injury won’t get any better or worse and your condition is essentially fixed. You doctor determines this for you. This is also the point where temporary benefits end and permanent benefits begin.
LOEC
What it means: Loss of Earning Capacity
What it is: This is the difference between your ability to work and earn a living before your injury and after. This issue only comes up with certain types of injuries.
VR
What it means: Vocational Rehabilitation
What it is: Help with finding a new job, training, or schooling.
FCE
What it means: Functional Capacity Evaluation
What it is: An evaluation performed by a physical therapist. This exam helps identify what sort of permanent work restrictions you’ll require after your injury
IME
What it means: Independent Medical Examination
What it it: An exam performed by a doctor hired by the defendant insurance company to offer a second opinion
For more help with understanding your workers comp case, seek the help of an experienced South Carolina workers compensation attorney from The Clardy Firm. We’re here to help guide you through the legal jargon and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
