Benefits For Partial But Permanent Disabilities
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 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.
We Will Fight For You Or Your Loved Ones’ Future
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.