In Texas workers' compensation, an injured employee may be eligible for lifetime income benefits if they have suffered certain catastrophic injuries or illnesses that leave them permanently and totally disabled. In this article, we will discuss what lifetime income benefits are in Texas workers' compensation and how an employee can qualify for them.
Lifetime income benefits are a form of workers' compensation benefits in Texas that provide ongoing financial support to employees who have suffered catastrophic injuries or illnesses that leave them permanently and totally disabled. These benefits are paid for the rest of the employee's life, as long as they remain disabled and meet certain eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for lifetime income benefits, an employee must have suffered a catastrophic injury or illness that leaves them permanently and totally disabled. Catastrophic injuries or illnesses include:
Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis of both legs or arms and one leg
Brain injuries resulting in permanent mental impairment
Third-degree burns covering at least 40% of the body or at least 20% of the face and hands
Amputation of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot
Total blindness or loss of both eyes
Multiple severe injuries to multiple body parts
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements for a catastrophic injury or illness, the employee must also have completed the maximum amount of temporary income benefits and must have an impairment rating of at least 15%.
The amount of lifetime income benefits an employee may receive depends on their average weekly wage before the injury or illness and the number of dependents they have. The maximum amount of lifetime income benefits an employee can receive is 75% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $938 per week.
Lifetime income benefits are a form of workers' compensation benefits in Texas that provide ongoing financial support to employees who have suffered catastrophic injuries or illnesses that leave them permanently and totally disabled. To be eligible for lifetime income benefits, an employee must have suffered a catastrophic injury or illness, completed the maximum amount of temporary income benefits, and have an impairment rating of at least 15%. The amount of lifetime income benefits an employee can receive depends on their average weekly wage and the number of dependents they have. Personal injury lawyers like Ryan Pigg can assist employees who have suffered catastrophic injuries or illnesses and help them navigate the workers' compensation claims process to ensure they receive the maximum benefits available.
