Workers’ Compensation for Permanent Partial Disability
December 11, 2015
After you have been injured on the job and you have recovered from your injury as much as can be expected, you may not be able to return to doing the same kind of work you did when you got injured. If you can still work, but only on modified duty or for less money than you were earning before, then permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits might be appropriate for your situation. You would receive permanent partial disability payments when you return to work at a wage that is lower than your wages prior to your injury. PPD benefits include bi-weekly wage loss benefits and medical expenses. The amount of the wage loss benefit is computed according to a formula in Pennsylvania law, which your Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer can assist you in calculating. You will not receive more in PPD compensation plus your diminished wages that you did prior to the injury.There is a maximum payment period for a partial disability of 500 weeks. These weeks need not be consecutive, and payments may be spread out, but the total number of weeks must equal 500 weeks.
Common PPD injuries in Pennsylvania
There is a whole range of injuries which can result in a worker receiving permanent partial disability including occupational diseases and conditions such as:
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Nerve damage in the neck
- Amputations
- Hearing loss
- PTSD
- Lung cancer
- Mental health
Determining your PPD award
The local workers’ compensation board will calculate the amount of your award, which will be paid either in a lump sum or in a structured settlement, which is paid in installments over time. Once you have accepted the settlement, you will have to sign a release waiving any rights to future reimbursements for your injuries.
Pennsylvania specific loss benefits for workers’ compensation
If your work related injury results in the loss of vision or hearing, the loss of a limb or the loss of the use of a limb, you may receive specific loss benefits regardless of the amount of time lost on the job and whether the employee returns to work.
Disfigurement benefits
If your injury left you with permanent scarring and disfigurement on your face, head or neck above the collarbone, you could receive benefits from one week to the maximum 275 weeks.
Death benefits
If an employee dies as a result of a workplace accident or an occupational disease, their dependent may claim death benefits which includes burial expenses.
If you are eligible for a PPD award, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer may attempt to do whatever they can in order to make sure that your claim is denied or that you get as little compensation as possible. When you enlist the services of a savvy Philadelphia worker’s compensation lawyer, they are fully aware of what your claim is worth. They are also familiar with the system and how to make it work to your benefit. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, we do not get paid attorney fees until you win a settlement, so it is in your attorney’s best interest to fight for the best settlement possible for you.
If you suffered a workplace injury and now you it is time to negotiate a settlement, you may want to contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates and ask them all of your questions. We are here to be your advocate and to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. We have offices throughout Pennsylvania where we serve clients in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.
