What Determines Permanent Partial Disability Ratings?
When a person is injured in a work-related accident, they may experience long-term effects that impair their ability to perform specific tasks or engage in daily activities. In such cases, determining the degree of impairment is crucial to pursue fair compensation.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) ratings play a significant role in workers' compensation claims, as they help assess the extent of an employee’s injury and its impact on their ability to work. In Georgia, understanding how PPD ratings are determined is essential for those seeking appropriate compensation.
At Arnold & Arnold LLC in Macon, Georgia, our permanent partial disability attorney is committed to guiding you through the workers' compensation process, helping you understand how PPD ratings are calculated and what factors influence this determination.
What Is a Permanent Partial Disability Rating?
A permanent partial disability (PPD) rating is used to assess the level of impairment someone experiences after sustaining a work-related injury. It measures how the injury affects the individual's ability to perform certain tasks or carry out their pre-injury job. This rating is a crucial component when determining compensation for workers' compensation.
Two key components are involved in determining a PPD rating. First, a medical evaluation is conducted where a doctor or specialist will assess the severity of the injury, its limitations, and the expected level of recovery. Based on their findings, the doctor will assign a percentage rating. A rating of 100% represents a complete disability, helping both workers and insurance companies determine the appropriate compensation.
The second component is the job-related impact, which looks at how the injury affects the person's ability to perform their job and daily tasks. If the injury significantly reduces their ability to carry out job duties, a higher PPD rating may be given.
How Does Georgia Calculate Permanent Partial Disability Ratings?
In Georgia, the calculation of PPD ratings follows guidelines established by the state’s workers' compensation laws. The rating is generally determined after the injured worker has reached what’s known as “maximum medical improvement” (MMI), which means the person’s condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve with additional treatment.
To calculate PPD ratings, Georgia's workers' compensation system uses a formula that takes into account two primary factors. The first is the body part affected, as different body parts play varying roles in a person’s ability to perform essential tasks.
Injuries to critical functions, such as the spine or hands, generally result in higher ratings, whereas injuries to less important parts of the body, like a finger or toe, typically lead to lower ratings.
The second factor is the severity of the injury; the more severe the injury, the higher the PPD rating. Injuries that cause permanent limitations or loss of function usually result in a higher rating.
In many cases, an independent medical examiner is asked to evaluate the worker’s condition and provide a rating. The report will include a thorough description of the injury, its impact on the worker’s ability to perform job tasks, and how it affects their long-term daily life. Once determined, the rating serves as the basis for calculating compensation.
Types of Injuries That May Lead to Permanent Partial Disability Ratings
A variety of injuries can lead to a permanent partial disability rating, depending on how the injury affects the individual’s ability to work. Some of the most common injuries that result in PPD ratings include:
Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the back or neck, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, or nerve damage, can lead to permanent disability if they impair movement or function.
Joint injuries: Injuries to the shoulders, knees, hips, or elbows can result in partial disabilities if they limit a worker’s ability to perform tasks that typically require movement or lifting.
Amputations: The loss of a finger, toe, hand, or foot can result in a PPD rating, depending on the body part lost and how it affects the person’s ability to perform their job duties.
Vision or hearing loss: Any significant impairment to vision or hearing can result in a permanent disability rating, especially if it impacts the person’s ability to perform essential job functions.
Repetitive stress injuries: These injuries, which result from repetitive motion, can also lead to permanent disabilities, especially if they affect a person’s ability to perform physical tasks or work in their usual capacity.
The severity of the injury and its impact on the worker’s ability to perform their job will directly affect the PPD rating. The more severe the injury, the higher the rating and, consequently, the compensation the worker may receive.
How Permanent Partial Disability Impacts Workers’ Compensation
The PPD rating significantly impacts the outcome of a workers' compensation claim. Once the rating has been determined, it is used to calculate the amount of compensation the injured worker is entitled to receive. In Georgia, workers who are permanently partially disabled may receive compensation based on the following factors:
The degree of disability: The higher the rating, the higher the compensation. A higher PPD rating reflects more significant impairment and loss of function, which results in more substantial financial support.
The worker’s average weekly wage: The amount of compensation is also based on the worker’s average weekly wage at the time of the injury. In most cases, workers can receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to the state’s maximum compensation limits.
The length of time benefits are paid: PPD benefits are typically paid for a set period, depending on the severity of the injury and the body part affected. For example, more severe injuries may result in benefits being paid for a longer period.
By determining the PPD rating, workers' compensation insurers can calculate the compensation owed to the worker. This is where a permanent partial disability attorney can be invaluable, helping to make sure that the rating is accurate and the worker receives the appropriate amount of compensation for their injury.
What to Do if You’re Facing a Permanent Partial Disability Claim
If you’ve sustained an injury that may result in permanent partial disability, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable permanent partial disability attorney. Handling the workers’ compensation process alone can be complicated, but an attorney can help stand up for your rights. Some ways an attorney can help include the following:
Filing your claim: A skilled attorney can guide you through the process of filing your workers' compensation claim, making sure that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and on time.
Assessing your PPD rating: If you're dissatisfied with the PPD rating provided, your attorney can help arrange for an independent medical examination or file an appeal to make sure that your disability is accurately assessed.
Negotiating compensation: Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to help secure a fair settlement and the maximum benefits you are entitled to.
At Arnold & Arnold LLC, we are committed to helping injured workers pursue the compensation they need. If you are facing a permanent partial disability claim, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Contact Arnold & Arnold LLC Today
Permanent partial disability ratings play a significant role in workers' compensation claims. If you have sustained a permanent injury and are seeking fair compensation, a permanent partial disability attorney can help.
Whether you’re located in Covington, Dublin, Savannah, Cochran, Augusta, Columbus, or any other area in Georgia, our experienced attorney at Arnold & Arnold LLC offers the legal support you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.