Impairment Rating Evaluations

Work injuries and illnesses can cause lasting harm that prevents employees from working for extended periods of time. It is critical, therefore, for injured workers to receive appropriate compensation for their workplace injuries. Impairment rating evaluations play a central role in determining the level of permanent disability an employee has sustained due to a work-related injury or illness and provide a basis for determining the benefits owed under Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws. As such, if you are undergoing an impairment rating evaluation or believe you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits, it is important to talk to an attorney about your rights. The experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., have ample experience navigating the claims process, and if we represent you, we will help you pursue the best outcome possible.

Under Maryland law, employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and impairment rating evaluations play a key role in determining the extent of those benefits. To qualify, the injured worker must demonstrate that the condition arose out of and in the course of employment. This typically involves providing medical evidence, including diagnostic imaging, treatment records, and assessments of functional limitations. Establishing this connection is crucial for workers seeking compensation for permanent impairments.

An impairment rating evaluation is a medical assessment conducted to determine the extent of an injured worker’s permanent impairment following recovery or maximum medical improvement. These evaluations are often required in cases involving injuries such as nerve damage, back injuries, loss of vision, loss of hearing, or other conditions that result in long-term or permanent limitations. The doctor conducting the evaluation assigns a percentage rating to the impairment, which reflects the severity of the disability and its impact on the employee’s ability to work. The impairment rating evaluation can have a direct and lasting impact on the financial support an employee receives. The percentage of impairment assigned during the evaluation not only determines eligibility for permanent disability benefits but also influences the amount of compensation the worker is awarded. For this reason, it is essential to ensure that the evaluation accurately reflects the severity of the impairment and its impact on the employee’s life and livelihood.

A higher percentage of impairment indicates a more severe disability, which often results in greater compensation. Impairment ratings are particularly significant when determining whether an employee qualifies for permanent partial disability or permanent total disability benefits. Permanent partial disability benefits are awarded to employees who have suffered permanent but partial impairments that affect their ability to work, while permanent total disability benefits are available for workers whose impairments prevent them from engaging in any form of gainful employment. These conditions typically involve severe and life-altering impairments.

In addition to disability benefits, workers may also be entitled to medical benefits that cover the costs of ongoing care, including physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, and necessary treatments. For employees whose conditions require extended recovery or treatment, these benefits are essential to ensuring that their medical needs are met. If an employee disputes the assigned impairment rating or believes it underestimates their condition, they may need to seek a second opinion or challenge the evaluation to ensure they receive fair compensation.

Impairment rating evaluations are a critical component of the workers’ compensation process and can significantly influence the benefits an injured worker receives. If you sustained a work-related injury or illness and are undergoing an impairment rating evaluation, it is important to consult an attorney about how you can protect your rights. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to helping injured employees navigate every stage of the claims process, and if you engage our services, we can aid you in seeking the compensation you need for long-term medical care and financial stability. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we often represent people in workers’ compensation cases in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, La Plata, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Rockville, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, and all counties in the State of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, please contact us online or call (301) 441-2022.