If you’ve been injured on the job in Washington state, your Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating plays a critical role in determining the compensation you receive for lasting impairment. Unfortunately, many injured workers are shocked to discover that their PPD rating is far lower than expected, resulting in settlements that fail to reflect the true impact of their injuries.
At Emery | Reddy, PC, we understand how frustrating and financially damaging a low PPD rating can be. Our experienced legal team is here to help you fight back and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Rating?
A PPD rating is a medical assessment that measures the degree of permanent impairment caused by a workplace injury. Expressed as a percentage, this rating directly influences the amount of your settlement under Washington state’s workers’ compensation system.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) uses a schedule of awards based on the severity of impairment and the affected body part. For example:
- A higher rating equals a larger settlement.
- Ratings are determined by medical evaluations, often through Independent Medical Exams (IMEs).
However, IMEs are frequently biased in favor of insurers, which can lead to artificially low ratings that don’t reflect the true extent of your injury.
Why Low PPD Ratings Happen
Several factors can contribute to receiving a lower-than-deserved PPD rating:
1. Biased IMEs
Doctors conducting IMEs are often hired by insurance companies or L&I. Their evaluations may minimize your symptoms or overlook key aspects of your injury, resulting in a lower rating.
2. Incomplete Medical Documentation
Missing or incomplete medical records such as diagnostic tests, surgical reports, or treatment notes; this can lead to an inaccurate assessment of your impairment.
3. Failure to Consider Combined Injuries
If you’ve suffered multiple injuries, they may not be fully accounted for in your rating. This oversight can significantly reduce your compensation.
These errors can cost you thousands of dollars. If you’ve received a low PPD rating, consult Emery | Reddy to review your case and explore your legal options.
How PPD Settlements Are Calculated
PPD awards in Washington are based on several factors:
- Impairment percentage: Determined by and Independent Medical Evaluation.
- State schedule of awards: Updated annually by L&I.
- Age and injury location: These can influence the payout amount.
Even small differences in your rating can have a major financial impact. For example, a 5% rating versus a 10% rating could mean the difference between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands in compensation.
Steps to Fight a Low PPD Rating
If you believe your rating is too low, here are the steps you should take:
1. Gather Comprehensive Medical Records
Ensure you have complete documentation of your injury, including:
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Treatment notes from all providers
- Surgical reports
- Physical therapy records
This evidence can help support a higher rating.
2. File an Appeal
If L&I denies your request for a higher rating, you can appeal through the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). This process allows you to present additional evidence and challenge the findings of the IME.
3. Hire Emery | Reddy
Our legal team has decades of experience challenging low PPD ratings. We know how to navigate the appeals process, gather compelling medical evidence, and advocate for fair compensation.
Why IMEs Are Problematic
Despite their name, Independent Medical Exams are often anything but independent. These exams are typically conducted by doctors who are paid by insurers or L&I. Their reports can influence whether your benefits continue or your PPD rating is minimized.
Tips for Your IME
To protect yourself during an IME:
- Be honest and consistent about your symptoms.
- Avoid exaggeration; stick to the facts.
- Document everything, including what the doctor says.
- Bring an observer to the exam.
If the IME report contradicts your treating doctor’s recommendations, Emery | Reddy can dispute the findings and protect your benefits.
Why Choose Emery | Reddy?
When it comes to fighting low PPD ratings, experience matters. Here’s why injured workers across Washington trust Emery | Reddy:
- Proven results: We’ve recovered millions for injured workers.
- Deep expertise: Our L&I attorneys have decades of experience in Washington State workers’ compensation law.
- Client-first approach: We don’t charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
We understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we know how to counter them effectively. Our goal is to ensure your rating accurately reflects your injury and that you receive the maximum compensation allowed under the law.
Take Action Today
If you believe your PPD rating is too low, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it may be to challenge the rating and recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Emery | Reddy today for a free case review. We’ll challenge unfair evaluations and fight for the settlement you’re entitled to.
