There are four essential Work Comp benefits under the Law. They are:

1. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

From your nose to your toes, every part of your body is given a specific rating by Minnesota Workers Compensation. The values for the ratings are:

• 1% - 5%, $750.00 per percentage point.
• 6% - 10%, $800.00 per percentage point.
• 11% - 15%, $850.00 per percentage point.

2. Wage Loss

Wage loss is payable in one of two ways. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is paid when you are completely disabled. TTD is paid at the rate of 2/3 of your gross weekly wage. For example, if your gross weekly wage is $300.00 per week, you would be entitled to TTD of $200.00 per week. TTD can be paid up to the limit of 104 weeks.

The second form of wage loss benefit is Temporary Partial Disability (TPD). TPD is based on your old wage, minus your new wage, times this amount by 2/3. For example, if your old wage was $300.00 and your new return to work wage after your injury is $200.00, TPD would be 2/3 of your $100.00 loss, or $66.66. This would be paid in addition to your return to work gross wage of $200.00.

As of September 2005, workers compensation wage loss benefits are an untaxable benefit and do not need to be claimed as income on your taxes.

3. Job Rehabilitation

If your injury results in issues regarding your ability to do your job, or worse if your employer says that they cannot accommodate you any longer due to your work restrictions and your work injury, you have the opportunity to have a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) assist you. If you return to work with restrictions, the QRC makes sure that the job you are doing is within your restrictions. The QRC can also work with your employer to modify jobs so that they can accommodate you so that you can return to work safely.

In the alternative, should your employer be unable to accommodate you and terminate you, the QRC will then help you put together a resume, teach you job interviewing skills, and provide you with job leads. Your mileage for looking for work should be reimbursed by the workers compensation insurance company.

4. Medical Bills

The insurance company must pay all reasonable and necessary medical bills that you incur as a result of your injury. This includes chiropractic treatment, Doctor's appointments, x-rays, MRI's, and other regularly prescribed medical treatment. Under work comp, there is no co-pay for medical bills, nor is there a co-pay for prescriptions. The insurer must also pay for your gas mileage incurred as a result of driving to and from your medical treatment.