Permanent partial disability benefits provide compensation for permanent loss of bodily functions. You will also hear permanent partial disability referred to as PPD. Although permanent partial disability is titled similarly to wage replacement benefits (permanent total disability, temporary partial disability, and temporary total disability), it is helpful to understand that PPD is not a wage replacement benefit.
Wage replacement benefits provide injured workers with a portion of the income that they lost because of their on-the-job injury. On the other hand, permanent partial disability benefits only compensate you for permanent injuries to your body. For example, an employee who loses his or her sight because of a workplace accident will likely be eligible for PPD benefits due to the loss of sight.
Whether you are eligible for permanent partial disability benefits depends on when you have injured and the extent of your personal injury. Under Minnesota workers’ compensation law, PPD payments are governed by “schedules.” This means that Minnesota has a very specific method of calculations determined by statute, and the compensation you receive is pre-determined by statute. By using this method, it ensures that similarly injured employees receive similar compensation.
Generally, your work injury doctor will assess you and assign an impairment rating. The calculations for PPD are very complex, so your Minnesota work comp attorney will often need to ensure any assigned rating is correct. If you have prior injuries, multiple employers, or your work injury is old, the calculation can be even more detailed and complex.
Plan of Action: What to Do Next?
Knowledge is power, and if you are an injured employee, you have already begun one of the most important steps by getting information.
Next, if you have not reported your workplace injury to your employer, report it as soon as possible. Make sure to also check your employee handbook to determine if your employer has any special requirements for reporting a work injury or accident.
After you have reported your on-the-job injury, you should take the time to determine whether you need or want a workman’s compensation lawyer. Depending on your situation, obtaining an attorney may be helpful to keep your claim moving along and free up your time so you are not dealing with paperwork, phone calls, or conferences. In other situations, having a workers’ compensation attorney may be the difference between receiving and not receiving your benefits.
Contact a Minneapolis Work Comp Lawyer
If your employer is already fighting to not pay your claim or you are seeking permanent partial disability, I highly encourage you to seek an attorney. The sooner the better. This is often a situation where obtaining a workers’ compensation attorney can make all the difference in whether or not you will receive workman’s compensation benefits.
As always, the team of Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys at 612-INJURED are available to discuss your case if you decide you need an attorney at this time. Even if you are simply considering obtaining a lawyer, we offer free consultations to help you determine if you need a workers’ compensation lawyer to fight for your rights. Call or text us at (612) 465-8733 to set up your free consultation.
