What Do the Percentages Mean for PPD Workers’ Comp in Chicago?

A workers’ comp claim in Illinois can be surprisingly confusing for many workers, especially when approaching permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits depend on the specific body part affected, the level of impairment, and other factors. This system is so complex for average workers that many simply throw their hands in the air and accept whatever benefits insurance companies offer. However, a more careful approach alongside an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago could ensure better financial security.

The Percentages Represent “Impairment Ratings”

 The percentages you might have noticed represent “impairment ratings.” This number represents the degree to which a worker has been disabled by their injury. For example, a 20% impairment rating represents a 20% reduction in a worker’s ability to perform pre-injury tasks. Suppose a worker is tasked with building 10 widgets per day. If they can only build eight widgets after a partially disabling injury, their impairment level should be 20%. If they can only build five widgets after their injury, their impairment rating should be 50%.

Unfortunately, determining impairment ratings is rarely that simple. Many workers perform more abstract and varied duties each day, making it difficult to determine how their injury has affected their productivity. Work rates often depend on many factors that have nothing to do with physical injuries, such as weather conditions or improved technology. As a result, impairment ratings are highly subjective – and you can challenge your “assigned” rating with help from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

Who Decides My Impairment Ratings? 

Fortunately, your employer and their insurer are not in charge of determining your impairment rating. If they were, they would almost certainly try to assign you as low a number as possible. Instead, medical professionals will assign you an impairment rating based on guidelines set forth by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Physicians and other medical professionals should approach this process in a completely independent and unbiased manner, ensuring you receive a fair impairment rating that accurately represents your injuries. You also have the right to choose your own doctor, which helps ensure an even greater degree of independence during this process.

Impairment Ratings Only Represent One Factor in PPD Calculations 

Although impairment ratings are important, there are many other factors to consider when approaching PPD benefits in Illinois. You also need to consider the specific body part affected by the workplace accident, as each represents a different “schedule of weeks.” Your total benefits are a function of your impairment rating, the schedule of weeks, and your average weekly earnings.

Key Takeaways 

• PPD calculations can be quite complex
• Calculations are based on affected body parts, impairment ratings, and other factors
• You can appeal your impairment rating and potentially receive more compensation

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help With PPD Calculations? 

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago may be able to help you get the most out of your claim. Permanent partial disability will likely affect your ability to earn income for the rest of your life. Therefore, it is incredibly important to recover as much compensation as possible for debilitating injuries to arms, legs, eyes, and other body parts. Expand on this subject by contacting Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources: 

iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/ppdschedule.pdf

ama-assn.org/practice-management/ama-guides/ama-guides-evaluation-permanent-impairment-overview