Permanent partial disability is a benefit injured workers are entitled to under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act — another benefit that insurance adjusters do not want you to know about.
The Law Office of Bryan Hawkins should be your first choice for Workman’s Compensation claims. Mr. Hawkins is understanding, honest, and very responsive while helping his clients. He goes above and beyond what any attorney I have dealt with has ever done. He gave my son peace of mind by explaining the paperwork he received so he could understand what was expected of him. He was polite, and sincerely wants what is best for his client. I highly recommend Bryan S. Hawkins.
The permanent partial disability rating, or “PPD” rating, should be issued by the authorized treating physician when the injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement or “MMI.” The rating is a percentage of permanent impairment the injured worker has sustained as result of the workers’ compensation accident. It is often issued either to the body part injured or to the body as a whole.
For example, one may sustain a 50% impairment rating to the body as a whole for a serious leg injury or an 85% impairment rating to the lower extremity. Under Georgia law, the percentage is then multiplied by a certain number of weeks under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. That number is then multiplied by the injured workers’ comp rate, which is the same as the injured workers’ temporary total disability rate (See the Lost Wages page of this site).
That amount is how much money an injured worker is entitled to under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will review the doctor’s permanent partial disability rating and compare it to the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Ed. to ensure the injured employee is receiving a fair rating.
Additionally, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will review your average weekly wage to ensure your comp rate is accurate under the law. Often, the insurance company makes a mistake or intentionally miscalculates your average weekly wage to save money.
About Bryan S. Hawkins
Bryan S. Hawkins is a Georgia Workers’ Compensation attorney representing injured employees before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. With over 2000 claims handled and past experience as an insurance defense attorney, Bryan offers unmatched insight and dedicated advocacy for injured workers across Georgia.
Education and Experience
A graduate of Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Georgia, Bryan is admitted to practice in multiple Georgia courts. Since opening his Augusta firm in 2009, he has built a reputation for providing compassionate and effective representation backed by deep legal experience and professional integrity.
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If you have sustained a work-related injury, and would like to discuss your case with one of our knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyers, please call and schedule an appointment today. The consultation is always free and you are under no obligation to retain our firm.
To set up your free consultation, call us in Augusta at 706-305-1130 or fill out our online contact form and we will respond to you promptly.