Permanent Partial Disability Award in Washington State: Frequently Asked Questions About PPD Awards

Permanent partial disability (PPD) is a term used in workers' compensation cases to describe a work-related injury that results in a permanent impairment but does not prevent the injured employee from working at all. In Washington State, PPD settlements are designed to compensate workers for the loss of earning capacity caused by their injuries.

At Lehmbecker Law, our Washington workers’ comp lawyers can help you with your PPD claim. Here, you can find answers to common questions about PPD settlements in Washington.

What Is a Permanent Partial Disability Award?

A permanent partial disability award or settlement is a payment made to an employee who has suffered a work-related injury or illness that has resulted in a permanent but partial loss of function of at least one body part or organ.

While the loss of function is permanent, the employee is still able to work in some capacity. The amount of a PPD award is based on the type and severity of the injury.

In contrast, an injured employee who is no longer able to work at all can file a permanent total disability (PTD) claim. If their claim is successful, the employee can receive a monthly pension.

Both PPD and PTD benefits are designed to compensate workers for the loss of earning capacity caused by permanent work-related injuries and illnesses.

If you’ve suffered a permanent work-related injury, reach out to Lehmbecker Law to learn whether you’re eligible for a settlement or pension through the Washington workers’ compensation system.

How Do I Receive My PPD Award?

Receiving a permanent partial disability award doesn’t happen right away. Here's a basic overview of what to expect.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

After any on-the-job injury, you should take the following steps:

• Seek medical treatment
• Notify your employer
• File a workers’ compensation claim

The Washington workers’ compensation system will provide you with medical care for your injury and a portion of your lost wages. During this time, you should attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice.

Verifying Your Eligibility

If your injury or illness does not seem like it will fully heal, a medical provider will determine whether you meet the criteria for a permanent partial disability award. This often involves medical documentation and assessments. They may assign the disability a number rating based on how much it has affected you.

Submitting Your Application

Once your eligibility is confirmed, your PPD case can move forward. You might need to provide additional information such as medical records, financial details, and supporting documents. Your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements.

Receiving Your Award

If your application is approved, you'll receive your PPD settlement. Smaller awards may be issued as a lump sum in the form of a check or direct deposit. Larger awards will start with a one-time down payment and then be issued in monthly installments.

How Much Can I Get for a PPD Award?

Permanent partial disability awards are designed to provide some financial relief and help injured workers adjust to their new circumstances. Unlike compensation from personal injury lawsuits, they may not account for the worker’s total losses, including emotional harm such as pain and suffering.

The amount of compensation depends largely on the area of the injury and the severity of the impairment. For example, imagine that two workers are injured by an explosion at work. One worker suffers a 50% loss of hearing in their left ear, while the other permanently loses their hearing in that ear. The second worker would be eligible for a larger PPD award.

What Factors Could Affect the Amount of My PPD Award?

PPD award amounts are determined by medical providers and state law. These factors are used to calculate the award:

• The nature of the injury: Some injuries, such as loss of limbs or vision, are considered more severe and may result in higher awards.
• The severity of the injury: A medical professional will assess the extent of your disability and assign an impairment rating; a higher rating results in a larger award.
• Washington maximums: Some types of injuries are assigned maximum dollar amounts, and these amounts change each year.

While you wait for your PPD award, you may be eligible for other workers’ compensation benefits. These may include a portion of your lost wages. Your injury-related medical care should also be covered until you receive your award.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PPD Award in Washington State?

The timeline for receiving a PPD settlement can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

• Complexity of the case: Cases involving complex medical issues or multiple injuries may take longer to resolve.
• Cooperation of the parties: If there are disagreements or disputes, the timeline can be extended.
• Current workload: The workload of the person handling your case can also impact the processing time.
• Court involvement: If your claim cannot be resolved through negotiations, it may need to be litigated in court, which can significantly delay the process

A mistake in paperwork can extend the PPD settlement timeline, which is why it helps to have a knowledgeable workers’ comp lawyer prepare and file your claim.

What Can I Expect During the PPD Award Process?

Here is a general overview of what to expect during the process:

• Filing: Once you have suffered a work-related injury, you should notify your employer and file a claim with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
• Treatment: L&I will authorize medical treatment to address your injuries, which may take weeks or months.
• Stabilization: If your condition is not expected to improve, your physician may determine you have reached maximum medical improvement and are eligible for PPD.
• Evaluation: L&I may request a medical evaluation to assess the extent of your permanent disability, which may take several weeks or months.
• PPD decision: L&I will take a few weeks or months to determine whether you are eligible for a PPD settlement and the amount of the award.
• Payment: If your claim is approved, L&I will typically make a permanent partial disability payment within a few weeks or months of the determination

The timeline for a PPD award can be long, especially if your injury requires extensive medical care. It may be delayed further if there is a dispute about your condition.

Where Can I Find Official Rules About PPD?

The rules and regulations governing permanent partial disability benefits vary significantly from state to state. The following resources may be helpful for Washington workers who have questions about PPD awards.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

L&I is the primary agency in Washington responsible for administering workers' comp benefits, including PPD. The agency’s website has detailed information about PPD rules, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Washington State Statutes and Regulations

PPD benefits are governed by state law. You can find the specific statutes and regulations related to PPD on the official website of the Washington State Legislature.

Since these laws are written by legislators, they use a lot of legal jargon. At Lehmbecker Law, we can explain these laws in plain language to help you understand your rights.

Federal Employees’ Compensation Program

The U.S. Department of Labor offers resources for federal employees injured on the job in Washington. These employees can learn how to file claims by visiting the website of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program. For further help, they can speak to a workers’ comp lawyer experienced in cases involving federal employees.

What Should I Know About PPD Category Ratings?

A PPD category rating is a numerical value assigned to a permanent physical impairment resulting from a work-related injury. This number determines the amount of compensation you may receive under Washington workers' compensation law.

A qualified doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the extent of your permanent disability. This evaluation may include physical exams, tests, and reviews of your medical records. The doctor will then follow state laws and medical guidelines to assign a numerical rating based on the severity of your impairment.

Your PPD category rating is then used to calculate your award. Larger category numbers will result in larger awards.

Where Can I Find More Answers to My Questions About PPD Award?

You can find personalized legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances at Lehmbecker Law. Reach out to our workers’ compensation lawyers to discuss your situation and learn how we can help. Contact us for a free consultation.