Workers’ Compensation Settlements: Understanding Disability Classifications

Suffering a workplace injury can be life-changing, especially when the accident leaves you with a long-term or permanent disability. Beyond the physical pain, the financial toll of medical bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy can be overwhelming for both you and your family. Seeking workers’ compensation benefits is critical to help cover these costs and provide you with the support you need to rebuild your life.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize the severity of injuries to reduce payouts. If you feel that your injuries are being downplayed or your claim is undervalued, the experienced attorneys at E&L, LLP are here to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Are the Different Disability Classifications?

Disabilities resulting from workplace injuries are classified into four main categories. Each classification impacts the type and amount of compensation available:

  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Applies if your injuries are expected to heal fully and you can eventually return to work at full capacity.
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Applies if your disability is temporary but prevents you from performing the tasks required for your job.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Applies if your injuries permanently prevent you from completing certain work-related tasks, even though you can still perform other aspects of your job.
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Applies if your injuries prevent you from performing any of the work you were capable of before the accident.

Additionally, the degree of your disability is often categorized as mild, moderate, marked, or total, based on the percentage of disability you are experiencing. This percentage can be a point of contention during settlement negotiations, so it’s vital to have your doctor document your condition in detail.

  1. What Is Impairment and How Is It Classified?

Workplace injuries can also result in impairments, which refer to mental, emotional, or physical damage caused by the accident. Impairments are classified as:

  • Temporary Impairment: Applies if the condition is expected to improve over time with treatment.
  • Permanent Impairment: Applies when treatment has reached a plateau, and no further improvement is anticipated within a year.

When you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point at which your condition is unlikely to improve further—you may be entitled to additional compensation for permanent impairments.

  1. How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help?

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with an insurance company that is focused on minimizing payouts. Here’s how a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help:

  • Evaluate Settlement Offers: Insurers often undervalue claims, offering settlements far below what you deserve. An attorney will review any offer to ensure it adequately covers your losses.
  • Maximize Compensation: From determining the full extent of your injuries to factoring in long-term care needs, a lawyer can fight for the highest possible compensation.
  • Provide Expert Guidance: Choosing between a lump-sum settlement or weekly benefits can be confusing. An experienced attorney will help you make the best decision for your financial and personal situation.
  • Negotiate on Your Behalf: With years of experience in workers’ compensation cases, our lawyers know how to counter insurance company tactics and secure fair outcomes for our clients.

When it comes to your workers’ compensation settlement, you deserve someone who will advocate tirelessly on your behalf.

CALL OUR ATTORNEYS FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
(213) 213-0000

  1. Why Choose E&L, LLP?

Your workplace injury wasn’t your fault, and dealing with the aftermath shouldn’t feel like a second punishment. The compassionate attorneys at E&L, LLP understand how overwhelming this time can be and are here to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

At E&L, LLP, we have the resources and expertise to give your case the personalized attention it deserves. Our attorneys will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries.

CALL OUR ATTORNEYS FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
(213) 213-0000

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