South Carolina Workers Comp FAQ: Understanding PPD or Permanent Partial Disability

Making up more than half of all cases nationwide, Permanent Partial Disability, or PPD, is the most common type of Workers’ Compensation case filed in the U.S. PPD means you are permanently disabled due to a work-related injury, but able to go back to work with limited capabilities. This is different from total disability, where you are unable to work at all, often due to a severe injury resulting in the loss of multiple limbs or paralysis.  With Permanent Partial Disability, the compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injury and the parts of your body that are permanently disabled.

Common Injuries

While back and spine injuries are some of the most common permanent partial disability injuries, there are several other types of injuries that may be eligible for worker’s compensation PPD benefits, including but not limited to:

• Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome
• Amputation of limbs or body parts; i.e. fingers, hand, or leg.
• Hearing loss or vision loss
• Knee injuries
• Nerve damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you are hurt on the job and believe you may be eligible for permanent partial disability, you should contact an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney who can help you get all the benefits you deserve.

Determining Compensation Amount

In the state of South Carolina, if a work injury leaves you permanently disabled, you must be evaluated by a physician to determine the severity of your injury in order to get the maximum about of compensation you deserve. The doctor’s impairment evaluation is submitted to the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission for a final decision on your level of disability. This decision will determine the amount of money you will receive for your permanent injury. This evaluation process can be quite complex. Having a workers’ compensation attorney on your side can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion in this PPD evaluation process.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

PPD benefits are calculated based on your percentage of disability as evaluated by a doctor and the body part that is impaired. Each body part is assigned a maximum value and the amount you receive depends on the seriousness and location of your injury. Permanent Partial Disability benefits can be paid for up to 340 weeks. You should ask a knowledgeable South Carolina workers’ comp lawyer to find out how much money you may be entitled to based on the type and severity of your injury.

If you have been injured on the job but are still able to go back to work, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability compensation. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can guide you through the claims process and help you get all the money you deserve for your work-related injury.