When Should a Nurse or Hospital Aide Consider Permanent Disability Benefits?

While healthcare is an emotionally rewarding career path, the job’s physical demands eventually take a toll on your body. Many nurses and hospital aides suffer from pain and long-term injuries that prevent them from working as much as they used to. In some cases, their condition is so severe they may need to quit working permanently. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for permanent disability benefits, this article gives you an overview of what they are and when you should file.

What Are Permanent Disability Benefits?

Permanent disability refers to an injury or medical condition that has long-term effects. However, not every case gets treated the same way. New York’s laws make two clear distinctions with these types of cases:

Partial Permanent Disability (PPD)

PPD is when you have a condition that may affect your ability to work but doesn’t completely prevent you from doing so. You may still perform your basic job duties or work in another role that accommodates your condition better. PPD benefits generally last up to 525 weeks, depending on your injury.

Total Permanent Disability (TPD)

In this situation, you’ve permanently lost your ability to work in any significant form. Unlike PPD, those receiving TPD benefits have no time limit. Since you theoretically can’t work, you’re also generally discouraged from finding employment. However, there are some situations where you can work as long as you don’t exceed the maximum income threshold. In 2025, that amount is $1,222.42.

Common Permanent Injuries For Nurses And Hospital Aides

While there are various medical conditions a nurse or hospital aides can suffer from, some of the most common ones include:

• Repetitive motion injuries from regularly lifting heavy equipment or turning patients
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falls or workplace assaults
• Chronic lower back or neck pain
• Shoulder injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tears)
• Infections due to coming into contact with blood or other toxic substances
• Nerve damage from needlestick injuries or cumulative trauma
• Mental health disorders from long-term trauma or stress

When Should You File For Permanent Disability?

A doctor will give you a medical evaluation to assess the severity of your condition. If they determine you’re permanently disabled and don’t see you recovering within the next 12 months, they will most likely give you the green light for PPD benefits. Most applicants will need to go through a 5-month waiting period, so filing for benefits as soon as you receive the news ensures you receive your cash payout when you need it.

How A Disability Attorney Can Help

While you may want to keep working, there are moments when your body can’t keep up anymore. If you’re in this situation, filing a claim for PPD and getting a medical evaluation should be your next step.

However, the legal process can be time-consuming and tedious if you go through it alone. Our Long Island workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience defending injured nurses and other medical staff when they need it the most. We’ll help you build a strong case and access the benefits you’re entitled to. Please contact us at 855-280-7585 to schedule a free consultation today.