What Are Permanent Partial Disabilities in Workers’ Compensation?

Permanent partial disability claims are one of the most common types of worker’s compensation cases, accounting for over half of all worker’s comp claims nationwide. These types of disabilities can be caused by an injury or an occupational disease, causing some degree of permanent impairment or loss of bodily function that makes a worker unable to perform at their full capacity.

Permanent Partial Disabilities

There are wide ranges of medical conditions that constitute a permanent partial disability. By far, back injuries are the most common; however, there are many other injuries and illnesses that fall into this category. Some common examples include:

• Amputation of a body part such as finger or hand
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss in one eye
• Knee injury
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Nerve damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

The amount of compensation you receive for any physical loss is determined by the Legislature and does not include compensation for pain and suffering. There are two categories of permanent partial disabilities:

1. Specified disabilities are those which have awards already set by law. Each type of loss is quantified, such as loss of hearing or loss of an eye, leg, toe, arm, or finger, and your award is based on that loss.
2. Unspecified disabilities include the partial loss of function to a limb and every other type of impairment caused by an on-the-job injury or occupational illness.

Any permanent partial disability award you receive is based not on whether you can work, but rather on the degree of damage you suffered. Therefore, you will not jeopardize your permanent partial disability award by working, so you should return to work when your healthcare provider releases you to do so.

Rating Unspecified Disabilities

Disability ratings determine the degree of a partial loss of function, and are conducted by the attending physician or one or more independent medical examiners utilizing predetermined medical standards and guidelines. Ratings are typically performed after all services have been completed and no further treatment is relevant.

Contact Seattle Worker’s Compensation Attorneys

At the Phillips Law Firm, we understand that the ordeal of injury or illness has been challenging for you and your family. Navigating the disabilities claims process can be complex and time consuming, and having an experienced Seattle worker’s compensation lawyer to guide you can make all the difference. Contact us today to discuss your case. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle worker’s compensation attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

Call or text (800) 708-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000