The phone call I got not too long ago prompted me to write this post. A potential client calls and he is irate that he was not getting $75,000 for his work injury. I ask him some questions and learn he was given a 4% PPD rating by his treating doctor for his work injury. He had “looked on the Internet” and claimed he was entitled to receive $75,000.  After a few more questions and a little explaining, I was able to educate him on the permanent partial disability schedule which I have attempted to do below as well.

Permanent partial disability or “permanency” is a payment for the loss of use of, or the loss of body function. These benefits are paid according to the compensation schedule established by the Workers’ Compensation Division. The amount and duration of the benefit are controlled by the permanent partial disability rating which is typically given by your treating physician.

Once you have been given a rating you need to look at the compensation schedule as it relates to your date of injury.  Impairment rating for injuries after 10/1/00 are as follows: 

0-5%   $ 75,000
6-10%  80,000
11-15% 85,000
16-20% 90,000
21-25% 95,000
26-30% 100,000
31-35% 110,000
36-40% 120,000
41-45% 130,000
46-50% 140,000
51-55% 165,000
56-60% 190,000
61-65% 215,000
66-70% 240,000
71-75% 265,000
76-80% 315,000
81-85% 365,000
86-90% 415,000
91-95% 465,000
96-100% 515,000

Now, it is really easy for someone to think if they have a 16% PPD rating they would be entitled to $90,000. That is not the case. If for example you have a 16% PPD rating, you need to multiply the dollar amount of $90,000 by the impairment rating, 16%. ($90,000 x .16 = $14,400). Consequently, the amount would be $14,400. The same would apply with other ratings.

PPD may be payable in one lump sum or in weekly increments. In cases where there is no specific schedule for that injury, the courts have allowed what is called a “Weber” rating. Under Weber, a doctor may provide an alternative permanent disability rating.

If you have been denied workers’ compensation benefits, we at the Law Office of Thomas Mottaz are workers’ compensation attorneys that help people with Minnesota work injuries anywhere in MN. Contact us for a free consultation and we will answer your questions or help you find the right lawyer for your situation.