Permanent Partial Disability

The Maryland Workers' Compensation Act provides benefits to covered employees who suffer an accidental personal injury or occupational disease arising out of or in the course of their employment. Injuries that result in a permanent impairment, but do not leave the worker completely and permanently disabled, may qualify the worker for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. Understanding when and how to seek a permanent partial disability award may seem complicated, but a Attorney workers' compensation lawyer can guide you through the process. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we are dedicated to helping injured people obtain the maximum amount of benefits they are owed under workers' compensation laws. We can answer any questions you may have about pursuing PPD benefits in Maryland.

If an employee has a compensable injury claim for workers' compensation benefits in Maryland, they may receive temporary disability payments during their initial recovery. When the employee's condition reaches maximum medical improvement, or the point where no further improvement is expected by doctors, temporary disability benefits will cease. Maximum medical improvement, however, does not necessarily mean that the employee has completely recovered, nor that the employee is able to fully return to work. In some cases, the employee may be left with a permanent disability that impacts their ability to work and reduces their earning capacity. Depending on the nature and extent of their injury, the employee may be entitled to either permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, or permanent partial (PPD) disability benefits.

A permanent partial disability is one that is lifelong and that limits the type of work that the employee can perform. While it does not completely prevent the employee from working, it prevents them from earning the amount of income they would have earned had they not suffered the industrial injury or occupational disease. Unlike payments for temporary disability, PPD payments are not based solely on the loss of wages, but also can take into account the loss of future earning capacity.

Despite the term, permanent partial disability benefits are not paid forever. PPD payments may be made over a period of one to 500 weeks, depending on the particular injury, or, in some cases, a lump sum settlement. The rate of compensation will vary depending on the circumstances. In general, the more severe the injury, the greater the amount of the PPD payments and the longer they are paid out. The amount and duration of PPD payments for scheduled injuries, such as those resulting in the loss of a finger, limb, or eye, are provided by statute. A workers' compensation attorney can provide a detailed explanation of the PPD benefits that may be awarded in a specific case.

PPD payments for unscheduled injuries, such as back pain, are set by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission. In making its decision, the Commission assesses the extent of the injury in light of how it has impaired the employee's ability to do their job, and determines the degree of disability as a percentage. The Commission will consider the nature of the physical disability, the age, experience, occupation, and training of the employee when the injury occurred, as well as other relevant factors. PPD payments are then awarded proportionately.

An experienced workers' compensation attorney can make a difference for many people who are seeking disability benefits after a workplace accident or occupational disease. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have the skill and resources to pursue PPD claims as well as other workers' compensation benefits on behalf of injured workers. Our lawyers advise people located throughout Montgomery and Prince George's County, particularly Laurel and South Laurel, Bowie, Chillum, Greenbelt, Fort Washington, Hyattsville, Temple Hills, Lanham, Oxon Hill, Greater Upper Marlboro, and Baltimore. Call our office at (301) 441-2022 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation regarding your workers' compensation case.