There are four different types of impairment ratings under workers’ compensation law: Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), Permanent Total Disability (PTD).

Temporary Disability Under the Workers’ Compensation Act

The first two assume that you are injured but will be able to return to work at your position. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits is a determination that you cannot work yet, but that in time, you may be able to return and perform your job. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) is the determination that you can return to work, but not at the same level at this time.

Permanent Disability Under the Workers’ Compensation Act

The second two ratings assume you either you can’t return to the same position because of your injury, or that you cannot return to work at all. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) is a determination that you will always have some disability that will affect your ability to work. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) is a determination that your disability is total and that you cannot return to the job.

Workers’ Compensation Disability Rating Determined by Your Doctor

Your medical provider will assign an impairment rating, or a percentage which indicates the level of injury. The benefits assigned to the ratings are based on the American Medical Association’s disability rating procedures outlined in The Guides to Evaluating Permanent Impairment.

Also, see the North Carolina Industrial Commission Rating Guide.

Of course, any time money is required to be paid, disagreements arise regarding these ratings. This is another area where it is helpful to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. We can determine whether your impairment rating is appropriate for your injuries and whether the benefits assigned to you are fair. If not, we will aggressively represent you to make sure you are given a fair rating.

Injured Workers’ Lawyers in Raleigh NC

If you have trouble understanding workers’ compensation terms or getting a fair disability rating, contact the North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers at the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, PLLC today. We offer free initial consultations and there are no fees unless we make a recovery for you. You can call us at 919.277.0161 or contact us online. Our office is in Raleigh, but we handle workers’ compensation cases statewide.

This article regarding workers’ compensation disability ratings is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. If you have a workers’ compensation claim, and having trouble with your disability rating, you may need to seek the advice of a workers’ compensation lawyer at the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, PLLC to explain your options.