What is the difference between a partial and total disability?

A partial disability is when an employee has a work-related injury or illness that prevents them from performing some of their job duties, but they can still do some type of work. For example, if a worker suffers a back injury and can no longer do heavy lifting as part of their job, but can still do light office work, then they may be considered partially disabled. In Washington, workers receiving compensation for a partial disability can receive up to two-thirds of their wages for up to 500 weeks. Total disability, on the other hand, means that an employee is unable to work at all due to a work-related injury or illness. This may include mental and emotional disabilities as well as physical ones. In Washington, workers who are totally disabled can receive up to two-thirds of their wages for up to 18 months, plus medical benefits. After 18 months, they may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Overall, the difference between a partial and total disability is that a partial disability allows an employee to return to some form of work, while a total disability prevents them from being able to work at all. In either case, workers in Washington are entitled to receive workers compensation if they have a work-related injury or illness.

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What is the difference between a partial and total disability?

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