If you were injured at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In the event that an injury causes long-term consequences, the employer’s insurance company should give you more benefits. To fairly calculate the amount of these benefits, you may need to undergo an impairment rating evaluation.
Since insurance companies will often dispute requests for large settlements, it is important to ensure you receive the correct impairment rating. Understanding how Downey assessment of impairment ratings work can help ensure you receive fair compensation. A disability claims attorney at Glauber Berenson Vego could protect your rights during the claims process and advocate for a favorable settlement.
An impairment rating is a percentage-based rating that measures the extent of permanent damage caused by a workplace injury. A qualified physician determines this rating after discovering that further recovery from the injury is unlikely. This is called reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI).
The impairment rating helps insurance companies understand the degree of the employee’s disability. They then use it to calculate the amount of benefits a person is entitled to under the company’s workers’ compensation policy.
The correct assessment of impairment ratings in Downey ensures that employees receive the compensation they deserve after a workplace injury. An inaccurate rating could result in insufficient financial support, leaving workers without the resources they need for ongoing care.
To ensure the rating is accurate, injured workers should consult a skilled attorney before undergoing the assessment.
Assessment of impairment ratings in Downey begin with medical evaluations. A doctor must first determine if the worker’s condition has stabilized. If so, they will provide a medical report stating that further recovery or improvement is unlikely. This report will become the basis for determining the impairment rating. It is important to note that only a state-certified doctor can confirm if a worker has reached MMI.
Based on the report, the Industrial Commission or the Division of Workers’ Compensation will determine the impairment rating by using the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. For example, a 15 percent impairment rating means that the injury caused a 15 percent loss of function in a certain body part or in the entire body.
If a worker believes that their rating is inaccurate, they can request a second opinion. They may also hire a tenacious attorney to help challenge the rating.
The higher the impairment rating, the greater the potential compensation. For example, a severe injury resulting in a high impairment rating could qualify a worker for a large lump-sum settlement or ongoing benefits. On the other hand, a low rating can result in insufficient benefits that do not fully cover an employee’s medical expenses or rehabilitation costs.
When a severe workplace injury leads to a permanent disability, the worker must fight for their right to compensation. Otherwise, they are likely to get minimal benefits. Challenging assessment of impairment ratings should be done with the assistance of a credible Downey lawyer.
If you sustained an injury at work that led to a disability, you are eligible for higher workers’ compensation benefits. To prove your right to these benefits, you must undergo an assessment of impairment rating. Downey assessment of impairment ratings can be inaccurate and difficult to challenge, especially when you have to face the insurance company’s or the employer’s legal team.
At Glauber Berenson Vego, we could guide you through the assessment, challenge the rating if necessary, and fight to get you the money you deserve. To schedule a consultation, reach out to our office today.
