Permanent Loss of Function

Workplace injuries can have life-altering consequences, particularly when they result in the permanent loss of function in a part of the body. Such injuries often impair a worker’s ability to perform their job, carry out daily activities, and enjoy life as they did before the accident. Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws recognize the profound impact of permanent loss of function and provide benefits to injured employees to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences, but the process of obtaining such benefits can be complicated. If you suffered a work-related injury resulting in permanent loss of function, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your rights. The seasoned Prince George’s County workers’ compensation lawyers of Foran & Foran, P.A. are well-versed in what it takes to obtain favorable outcomes in the claims process, and if we represent you, we help you seek the benefits you need to rebuild your life.

Permanent loss of function occurs when an injury results in the inability to use a specific body part or perform certain physical tasks, either partially or entirely. This can include loss of strength, mobility, sensation, or coordination in areas such as the hands, arms, legs, back, or neck. Permanent loss of function may also involve sensory impairments, such as loss of vision or hearing, or cognitive deficits caused by traumatic brain injuries.

The impact of permanent loss of function is significant and multifaceted. Physically, injured workers may experience chronic pain, limited range of motion, or reliance on assistive devices such as braces, prosthetics, or wheelchairs. Emotionally, they may face frustration, depression, or anxiety as they adjust to their new reality. Economically, the inability to work or perform at the same capacity can lead to lost wages, reduced earning potential, and financial strain on the worker and their family.

Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws aim to address these challenges by providing benefits that account for the long-term implications of permanent loss of function. However, navigating the claims process can be complex, particularly when determining the extent of impairment and the appropriate level of compensation.

Under Maryland law, employees who sustain work-related injuries resulting in permanent loss of function are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to provide financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, and the lasting effects of the impairment. To qualify, the worker must demonstrate that the injury occurred in the course of employment and that it directly caused the permanent loss of function. This often requires medical documentation, such as evaluations from treating physicians, diagnostic reports, and impairment ratings.

One key component of workers’ compensation claims involving permanent loss of function is the assignment of an impairment rating. This rating, typically expressed as a percentage, reflects the severity of the worker’s impairment and its impact on their ability to work. Higher percentages indicate more significant impairments and generally result in greater compensation. Maryland law includes a schedule of benefits that assigns specific compensation amounts based on the affected body part and the degree of impairment.

In addition to financial compensation, workers with permanent loss of function may be eligible for medical benefits to cover ongoing care needs, such as physical therapy, medications, or assistive devices. Vocational rehabilitation services may also be available to help injured workers transition to alternative employment if they are unable to return to their previous jobs. 

The permanent loss of function is a life-altering injury that requires substantial medical care, financial resources, and emotional resilience. If you were hurt in a workplace accident that caused a permanent loss of function, it is prudent to confer with an attorney about what benefits you may be owed. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys are proficient at protecting the rights of injured workers, and if we represent you, we will help you pursue the maximum benefits available under Maryland law. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and represent workers in Hyattsville, Upper Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Bowie, Rockville, Marlboro, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across Maryland. You can arrange a confidential and free meeting by calling us at (301) 441-2022 or using our online form.