When a worker gets hurt on the job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation. One of the most serious outcomes of a work injury is permanent disability. This means the worker cannot fully recover and may never return to their job the way they did before the injury.
Permanent disability is a major part of workers’ compensation. It affects a person’s ability to earn a living. This article explains what permanent disability means and the benefits available to injured workers.
What Is Permanent Disability?
Permanent disability happens when a worker reaches “maximum medical improvement” (MMI). This means doctors believe the injury is as healed as it will ever get. If the worker still cannot do their job or has lasting damage, they may be considered permanently disabled.
There are two main types of permanent disability:
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
The worker can still work but not at full capacity.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
The worker cannot return to any type of work.
How Is Permanent Disability Decided?
Doctors play a big role in this process. After treatment, the worker sees a doctor for an evaluation. The doctor checks if the injury is permanent. If so, they give a disability rating. This rating is usually a percentage that shows how much the injury affects the worker’s ability to do tasks.
For example, if a worker loses use of 25% of their hand, they may get a 25% disability rating for that hand.
Each state has its own rules. Workers often ask questions like how is permanent disability calculated in South Carolina because the process can vary depending on where the injury happened.
Benefits for Permanent Disability
If a worker is declared permanently disabled, they can receive several types of benefits.
Permanent Disability Payments
This is money paid to the worker based on their disability rating. The payments are meant to replace lost wages. The amount depends on the rating, the worker’s average weekly wage, and state laws. These payments may come weekly or as a lump sum.
Medical Benefits
Injured workers can continue to get medical care related to their injury. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. Some states may require approval before certain treatments are covered.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If the worker cannot return to their old job, they might get help finding a new one. This can include job training, education, and career counseling. The goal is to help the worker become self-sufficient again.
Lifetime Benefits (In Some Cases)
If the disability is very serious, like total blindness or paralysis, the worker may receive benefits for the rest of their life. These cases are rare but do happen.
What Should Workers Do?
If a worker thinks their injury is permanent, they should take action quickly. First, they need to see a doctor who understands work injuries. The doctor will check how serious the injury is and if it will last forever.
The worker should also keep all medical records and write down how the injury affects daily life. Talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer can also help them understand their rights and get the right benefits.
Learn All About Permanent Disability in Workers’ Compensation
Permanent disability can change a worker’s life. It may stop them from doing their job or earning the same income. Workers’ compensation can help by offering money, medical care, and job support.
It is important for injured workers to know their rights and follow the right steps. Getting the right help can make the process easier.
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