If you’ve been injured at work in Kansas, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages. However, understanding how these benefits are calculated can be challenging. Kansas workers’ compensation laws are designed to provide fair financial support for injured workers, but the exact amount you receive depends on factors such as your average weekly wage, the severity of your injury, and the type of benefits you qualify for.
1. Medical Benefits
Medical benefits are an essential part of workers’ compensation in Kansas. These benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury or illness, including:
- Doctor’s visits and specialist consultations.
- Hospital stays and surgeries.
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs.
- Prescription medications.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
The cost of your medical treatment is not deducted from your wages, and Kansas law requires employers or their insurance carriers to pay these expenses directly. Additionally, you are entitled to reimbursement for mileage if you have to travel significant distances for medical treatment. It’s important to note that your employer has the right to select the authorized treating physician for your care.
2. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover. In Kansas, TTD benefits are calculated as two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage (AWW), up to a state-mandated maximum amount.
Your AWW is typically determined by averaging your gross earnings from the 26 weeks prior to your injury. This includes wages, overtime, bonuses, and other forms of compensation. For example, if your AWW is $900, your TTD benefits would be approximately $600 per week. However, Kansas imposes a maximum weekly benefit, which may limit your payments if your earnings are high.
TTD benefits continue until one of the following occurs:
- You are cleared by a doctor to return to work.
- Your condition reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning further treatment is unlikely to improve your condition.
3. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
If you are able to return to work in a limited capacity but cannot earn your full pre-injury wages, you may be eligible for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits. These benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury AWW and your reduced earnings.
For example, if your AWW before the injury was $900 but you are only able to earn $500 per week in a light-duty position, your TPD benefits would be two-thirds of the $400 difference, or approximately $267 per week. These benefits help injured workers maintain financial stability as they transition back to work.

4. Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury results in long-term or permanent impairments, you may qualify for Permanent Disability benefits. Kansas workers’ compensation laws categorize these benefits into two types:
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
PPD benefits are awarded if you have a permanent impairment but are still able to work in some capacity. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your impairment and how it affects your ability to work. Kansas uses a “scheduled injury” system for certain body parts, such as arms, legs, or hands, which assigns a specific number of weeks of compensation based on the affected area.
For non-scheduled injuries, such as those affecting the back or multiple body parts, your PPD benefits may be based on your whole-body impairment rating. This rating is determined by a medical professional and reflects the overall impact of your injury on your ability to perform work.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
PTD benefits are reserved for workers whose injuries prevent them from returning to any type of gainful employment. These benefits provide ongoing payments equal to two-thirds of your AWW, up to the state maximum. Because PTD benefits represent a significant financial commitment, they often require additional medical and legal evidence to support the claim.
5. Death Benefits
If a workplace injury or illness results in the death of a worker, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits under Kansas workers’ compensation law. These benefits include:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Kansas workers’ compensation provides up to $10,000 for reasonable funeral and burial costs.
- Wage Replacement for Dependents: Surviving dependents, such as a spouse or children, may receive ongoing payments to replace the income of the deceased worker. These payments are typically calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s AWW, up to the state maximum.
Death benefits are a vital source of financial support for families dealing with the loss of a loved one due to a workplace accident.
How an Attorney Can Help You Maximize Your Benefits
Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, and even minor errors in filing paperwork or reporting injuries can lead to reduced benefits or claim denials. Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can:
- Ensure that your average weekly wage is calculated accurately.
- Help you gather the medical evidence needed to support your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
- Represent you in appeals if your claim is denied or undervalued.
Contact Lawyer on the Line for Expert Workers’ Compensation Representation
If you’ve been injured on the job in Wichita or elsewhere in Kansas, Lawyer on the Line is here to help. We specialize in workers’ compensation cases and are dedicated to securing the maximum benefits for our clients. From filing your claim to fighting a denial, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.