What does temporary partial disability (TPD) indicate?

Temporary partial disability (TPD) indicates that a worker is able to return to some form of work but is experiencing limitations due to an injury. This means the individual can perform certain tasks or roles, albeit with restrictions that might be related to the nature of their injury or the demands of the job. TPD recognizes that while the worker is not completely unable to work, they still face challenges that prevent them from performing all the duties of their previous role or working full hours.

The concept is essential in workers' compensation because it allows for a transition back into the workforce while still acknowledging the ongoing impact of the worker's injury. The worker may receive benefits to help compensate for their reduced capacity to earn, reflecting the temporary nature of their disability as they recover.