What Is Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) means you have an impairment that didn’t go away after you recovered from a workplace injury or illness. Workers’ compensation PPD awards are monetary awards for injured workers who are able to return to work and do their jobs in a limited capacity. When your injury can be classified as a permanent partial disability, you are entitled to workers’ comp PPD benefits and compensation for damages.
Common Injuries That Cause Permanent Partial Disability
There are common workplace injuries that could lead to PPD, including:
- Amputation
- Back injury
- Cardiovascular or respiratory disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hearing or vision loss
- Knee injury
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Nerve damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PPD cases can be filed for more workplace injuries than those included on the list above. An experienced L&I lawyer can help you determine if your injury qualifies for PPD workers’ comp.
How To Determine If You Qualify For PPD
To qualify for a PPD award, you’ll need to meet workers’ comp eligibility requirements, including:
- Being an employee
- Working for a company that carries workers’ comp insurance
- Getting injured or developing an illness on the job
If you meet these requirements, you can file a PPD workers’ compensation claim and receive treatment until you fully recover or reach maximum medical improvement.
Why You Should Hire An L&I Attorney
You may be hesitant to hire an L&I attorney because you’d rather tackle a workers’ comp PPD case alone. While you can go through the claim process by yourself, it can be challenging, confusing, and overwhelming to deal with while you’re also trying to recover from your injury. Instead, you should work with an expert L&I attorney who is experienced in PPD law, benefits, payments, and cases to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your claim.