Recently, we had a client who inquired about what is permanent partial disability. They were curious about what it was and whether not they would qualify for it. I thought I’d pass along that information, as it might be relevant to you as well and others who are unfamiliar with permanent partial disability.
What is Permanent Partial Disability?
Permanent partial disability (PPD) is a type of disability that results in an ongoing physical impairment and a reduction in the person’s ability to work or perform normal activities. It’s typically caused by an illness, accident, or other event.
Unlike with permanent total disability, which is recognized by complete paralysis of the body or significant loss of physical capabilities, PPD is associated with only a partial reduction in physical capabilities— such as difficulty walking, an inability to stand for long periods, lower range of motion in some parts of the body, hearing loss, vision loss and more.
In order to qualify for PPD benefits you must provide medical evidence that you have been diagnosed with an injury or illness resulting in a long-term disability that relates to your past and current occupation. Your doctor will likely need to complete paperwork confirming the diagnosis and detailing the extent of your impairment as well as any necessary treatments required. You may also be asked to have yourself evaluated by a qualified physician who specializes in assessing disabilities.
Essentially, permanent partial disability is used to compensate for permanent physical damage sustained during a work injury. Here, “partial” refers to the fact that you still have some use of the injured body part. In other words, you still have some functionality, but the benefits cover the injuries that have prevented your body from returning to the functionality it once had.
Who Qualifies for Permanent Partial Disability?
To qualify for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), you typically have to meet certain criteria. First, your case needs to be evaluated by a qualified doctor. The doctor then needs to determine that the condition could not be cured or further improved and has resulted in a disability of a certain percentage of your pre-injury earning capacity.
A doctor will determine the amount of disability using a scale of 0 percent to 100 percent. 0 percent means that there is no permanent injury at all. 100 percent would mean you have a permanent and total disability. Injuries that range from 1 percent to 99 percent are eligible for benefits.
You are eligible for permanent partial disability regardless of whether or not your injury prevents you from performing your old job. The reasoning is this: With permanent partial disability, you are being compensated for your loss of ability in your injured body part rather than for your ability to work.
Compensation is calculated at 2/3 of your regular weekly salary, based on your last 12 months of employment with your current employer. However, it’s worth noting that compensation is capped at $816 per week.
What to Do If You Think You Qualify for Permanent Partial Disability?
If you think you qualify for permanent partial disability, the first and most important thing to do is talk to a lawyer. An experienced attorney will help you understand all of the requirements and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
They will also be able to assess whether or not you have a legitimate case. Even if your injuries are severe, it’s possible that they won’t meet the requirements necessary in order to qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer who understands your situation and can provide legal advice before you make any decisions.
Your lawyer will then help you gather evidence to prove your case, as well as making sure that your claim is submitted correctly on time so that it doesn’t get delayed or denied. They will also provide representation during any potential hearings and represent your interests when negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement amount.
