The workers' compensation system is full of complex and confusing words and acronyms. Here are some of them:

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• TTD (total temporary disability) — If you are off the job for a work injury, you are entitled to wage loss benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage.

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• PPD (permanent partial disability) — This refers to a fixed benefit or settlement for loss of use or other disability or disfigurement that affects your quality of life but does not prevent you from working.

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• PTD (permanent total disability) — This means you cannot return to any form of work because of the limitations of your injury. You are entitled by law to lifetime benefits and medical care, or you may wish to negotiate a settlement of your claim.

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• AWW (average weekly wage) — This is the determination the level of your benefits. In addition to your regular wages, employers often neglect to include overtime, bonuses, health insurance benefits and other compensation in their calculations.

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• MMI (maximum medical improvement) — This means that your doctor has decided you have healed as much as you can. Once an injured worker is placed at MMI, the employer or their insurance company will calculate permanent disability or partial disability benefit awards.

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• IME (independent medical exam) — This is a doctor who is hired to provide a second medical opinion. This doctor will exam but not treat you.

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• DIME (division independent medical examination) — The Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation will present a panel of three randomly chosen physicians. Then you and the insurer can each strike one off, and the remaining doctor conducts the exam.

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• ALJ (administrative law judge) — This is a special judge who only hears workers' compensation cases.

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• SSD or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) — If you will have been out of work for a year or more, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

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