When a workplace injury keeps you from doing your job, the bills do not stop coming. Fortunately, the Louisiana workers’ compensation system provides temporary total disability (TTD) benefits to replace a portion of your lost income while you recover. These benefits are a financial lifeline for injured workers who cannot return to work right away. But one of the most common questions employees ask is, “How long can I receive temporary total disability benefits in Louisiana?”
The answer depends on the severity of your injury, your medical progress, and whether your doctor determines that you have reached what is known as “maximum medical improvement.” Understanding the rules for TTD benefits can help you plan for your recovery and protect your rights if your employer or insurer tries to stop payments too soon.
What Are Temporary Total Disability Benefits?
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are designed to help workers who are completely unable to perform their job duties due to a work-related injury or illness. These benefits provide income replacement while you recover and are unable to work in any capacity. Unlike permanent disability benefits, TTD benefits are meant to be temporary — they continue only until you are able to return to work or your condition stabilizes.
Under Louisiana law, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you are generally entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident. This ensures that injured employees receive the medical treatment and financial support they need without having to prove employer negligence. However, TTD benefits are only available if a doctor certifies that you cannot work at all as a result of your injury.
The attorneys at Wanko Workers’ Comp Lawyers help injured employees throughout the state secure the benefits they deserve after serious workplace injuries involving construction sites, industrial accidents, and heavy equipment operations.
How Long Can You Receive TTD Benefits?
In most cases, you can receive temporary total disability benefits in Louisiana for as long as you are medically unable to return to any kind of work. However, there are specific rules that govern how long these payments continue and when they may end. Generally, TTD benefits last until one of the following occurs:
- Your treating physician determines that you have recovered enough to return to work, even in a limited capacity.
- You reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), which means your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve further with medical treatment.
- You begin earning income again, such as through light-duty or part-time work.
Once you reach MMI, your doctor may evaluate whether you have a permanent impairment. If so, you could become eligible for other types of workers’ compensation benefits, such as permanent partial disability or supplemental earnings benefits (SEBs).
While there is no fixed maximum duration for TTD benefits under Louisiana law, insurers often try to terminate payments prematurely. It is important to review any notice of termination carefully and consult an attorney immediately if you believe your benefits are being ended unfairly.
How Much Will You Receive in TTD Benefits?
TTD benefits are calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage (AWW). In Louisiana, the amount you receive is typically two-thirds (66 ⅔%) of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum limit set by the state each year. For example, if your average weekly wage before the injury was $900, your TTD benefit would be approximately $600 per week, assuming it does not exceed the state maximum.
These benefits are not taxable, which means you take home the full amount. In addition to wage replacement, your employer’s insurance should also cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.
It is important to make sure your average weekly wage is calculated correctly. If your employer or insurance company underreports your income or fails to include overtime or bonuses, your benefits may be lower than what you deserve. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can review your claim to ensure your benefit rate is accurate and fair.
What Happens If Your TTD Benefits Stop Too Soon?
It is not uncommon for employers or insurance companies to try to stop paying TTD benefits before an injured worker is fully recovered. They may claim that your condition has improved, that you can return to light-duty work, or that you have reached maximum medical improvement. In some cases, they may require you to attend an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor chosen by the insurer.
If your benefits are suspended or terminated and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to challenge it. You can request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge to review the evidence and determine whether your payments should continue. During this process, you will need to present medical records and testimony from your treating physician to support your case.
Act quickly if your benefits are stopped. There are strict deadlines for filing disputes, and failing to respond in time could permanently end your payments. An attorney can help you gather the right documentation, communicate with the insurer, and represent you before the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA).
Why Legal Representation Is Important for TTD Claims
Even though workers’ compensation is meant to protect employees, the process can be confusing and frustrating. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line, not your recovery. Having an attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under Louisiana law.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you:
- File your claim correctly and on time.
- Verify that your weekly benefit rate is accurate.
- Challenge premature termination or reduction of your benefits.
- Coordinate with your doctors to provide strong medical evidence.
- Represent you in hearings or appeals before the OWCA.
At Wanko Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we have extensive experience helping injured employees across the state obtain and protect their temporary total disability benefits. Whether you were hurt on a construction site, in a warehouse, or operating heavy machinery, our attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
If your TTD benefits have been delayed, denied, or cut off, contact us today to speak with an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney. We can help you understand your rights, ensure your benefits continue, and fight for the compensation you deserve while you recover.
