How Long Does Workers’ Comp Last in Kentucky?

How Long Does Each Type of Benefit Last?

Each type of workers’ comp benefit in Kentucky has its own timeline, dictated by state law and medical milestones. Understanding these timelines can help you know what to expect and when certain benefits may end.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

Temporary Total Disability benefits replace a portion of your wages while you are fully unable to work due to your injury. Kentucky pays about two‑thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum rate that’s updated annually.

TTD benefits continue until you have reached “maximum medical improvement” (MMI) or reach a point where you are physically capable of returning to work. There’s no specific maximum number of weeks set by statute for TTD as there is for other benefit types; it depends primarily on your medical recovery and ability to perform your usual and customary work.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Once your condition has stabilized and your doctor says further medical treatment is unlikely to significantly improve your condition, you’ll be evaluated for a permanent impairment rating. That rating is used to calculate your PPD benefits.

Kentucky law limits how long PPD benefits can be paid. If your whole person impairment rating is is 33% or less, PPD benefits are payable for up to 425 weeks. If your whole person impairment rating 34% or greater, benefits are payable for up to 520 weeks. All income benefits terminate at age 70, regardless of your impairment rating.

These weekly PPD payments are meant to compensate you for long‑term loss of function and/or earning capacity. The exact weekly amount for these permanent disability benefits is based on your average weekly wage, your impairment rating, and your ability to return to work and/or earn the same amount of money (or more) as you were earning before the injury occurred

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

Permanent Total Disability benefits are available when an injury leaves you completely and permanently unable to perform any work. PTD benefits generally continue for as long as you remain disabled or until you reach age 70.

Medical Benefits

For injuries occurring after July 13, 2018, medical benefits in Kentucky extend for at least 15 years. After that 15-year period, you must reapply for benefits every two years to extend your coverage. . As long as you follow the extension procedures, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must continue to pay for treatment as long as it is necessary to cure or relieve the effects of your injury, including future treatment if your doctor says it’s needed. That can mean months or even years of coverage for serious injuries.

When to Contact a Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ comp laws are complex, and insurance companies often push back on workers’ compensation claims to reduce or delay benefits. You should consider contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer if:

• Your benefits were delayed or denied.
• Your wage replacement benefits were stopped too early.
• There’s a dispute over your impairment rating or whether your injury is work‑related.
• You’re unsure whether your medical treatment is being covered fully.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Justice Injury Law can help review your claim, gather medical evidence, communicate with the insurer on your behalf, and represent you before the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims if necessary. Early legal involvement can make a big difference in ensuring you receive all benefits the law entitles you to.