Legal Definitions - temporary total disability

Temporary total disability refers to a condition where an individual is completely unable to perform any type of work for a period, but is expected to recover and eventually return to their job or another suitable employment.

This status is often relevant in workers' compensationclaims, where an employee is injured on the job and cannot work at all while recovering. Benefits typically cover a portion of lost wages during this temporary period of complete incapacitation.

Here are some examples illustrating temporary total disability:

• Example 1: Construction Worker with a Broken Arm

  A construction worker falls from scaffolding at a job site and breaks their dominant arm in multiple places. The injury requires surgery and several months of recovery, during which the arm is immobilized in a cast and sling. The worker's doctor certifies that they are completely unable to perform any of their usual duties, or even light administrative tasks, due to the severity of the injury and the need for complete rest and rehabilitation.

  This illustrates temporary total disability because the worker is totally incapacitated from performing any work due to the broken arm, but the condition is temporary, as the arm is expected to heal, allowing them to return to work in the future.

• Example 2: Office Manager Recovering from Back Surgery

  An office manager experiences a severe herniated disc that requires spinal surgery. Following the operation, their surgeon prescribes several weeks of strict bed rest and limited mobility to allow the surgical site to heal properly. During this recovery period, the manager is unable to sit at a desk, use a computer for extended periods, or commute to the office, making them completely unable to perform their job duties, even remotely.

  This demonstrates temporary total disability because the office manager is totally unable to work due to the post-surgical recovery and physical restrictions, but this incapacitation is temporary, with the expectation that they will regain their ability to work once fully recovered.