If you suffered an injury on the job or have been diagnosed with an occupational disease, you may be entitled to file a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). One of the potential outcomes of filing a claim includes receiving an award for permanent partial disability (PPD). These benefits are for those who have completed their medical treatment and have suffered a physical or mental permanent impairment that cannot be improved any further.

What is Permanent Partial Disability?

If you sustained an injury during the course of your employment, you may be awarded payment at the time your claim is closed by L&I. Permanent partial disability is a type of benefit that is paid to an injured worker who has reached maximum medical improvement but they remain permanently partially impaired.

Some common workplace injuries and illnesses that may result in a permanent partial disability rating, including the following:

• Loss of a finger
• Partial amputation of a limb
• Respiratory illness
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Back and neck injuries
• Knee injury
• Shoulder injury
• Depression, Anxiety, or Post-traumatic stress disorder

How are Permanent Partial Disability Awards Calculated?

Permanent partial disability award amounts are calculated by using L&I’s impairment rating system. A doctor who is authorized to conduct a rating examination must evaluate your injury. The rating is then applied to L&I’s PPD award payment schedule for the year in which the injury occurred. Every type of injury has a specific monetary value for a given percentage of impairment. While higher impairment ratings receive higher award amounts, L&I has established a maximum award amount for each disability.

What Happens if You Disagree with L&I’s Decision on Your Claim?

If you disagree with L&I’s decision, you have options. You may protest or appeal a permanent partial disability determination by filing a written protest or appeal within 60 days of the date you received the decision. If you do not file a protest within the applicable time frame, L&I’s decision will be final.

When you file a protest or appeal, you have the burden of proof to show that L&I’s determination was incorrect. It is crucial to have evidence, such as medical records, test results, or a doctor’s opinion, to support your position.

Contact an Experienced Washington Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you suffered a workplace injury or were diagnosed with an occupational disease, it is essential to have an attorney by your side who can guide you through the process of filing an L&I claim and help you obtain the benefits you deserve. A knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation attorney can assess your claim and advocate for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

The Bellingham Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide reliable representation to injured workers throughout Washington State and work to obtain the best possible outcome in every case.