In workers' compensation, which disability category corresponds to a partial loss of wage-earning capacity?

In workers' compensation, which disability category corresponds to a partial loss of wage-earning capacity?

• A. Temporary Total Disability
• B. Temporary Partial Disability
• C. Permanent Partial Disability
• D. Permanent Total Disability

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how workers’ compensation categories describe what someone can earn after an injury. Wage-earning capacity measures what a worker can realistically earn compared to before the injury. If the injury leaves you unable to work temporarily, you might have a temporary total disability. If you can work but with reduced earnings for a limited time, that’s temporary partial disability. If the impairment is permanent but only partially reduces your earning ability, that’s permanent partial disability. The term “permanent” means the condition is not expected to fully improve, while “partial” means some earning capacity remains. So a permanent impairment that still allows some work, but at a reduced level, is the Permanent Partial Disability category.

The key idea is how workers’ compensation categories describe what someone can earn after an injury. Wage-earning capacity measures what a worker can realistically earn compared to before the injury. If the injury leaves you unable to work temporarily, you might have a temporary total disability. If you can work but with reduced earnings for a limited time, that’s temporary partial disability. If the impairment is permanent but only partially reduces your earning ability, that’s permanent partial disability. The term “permanent” means the condition is not expected to fully improve, while “partial” means some earning capacity remains. So a permanent impairment that still allows some work, but at a reduced level, is the Permanent Partial Disability category.