California Permanent Partial Disability Settlement Calculator
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
As a State Bar Certified California attorney referral service, we’ve spoken to and referred many people who are suffering from a permanent partial disability injury. Permanent partial disability is a serious matter and we think we can help your road to recovery with our calculator below.
Calculate What Your Permanent Partial Disability Could Be Worth Now
To calculate your potential settlement, fill out the questions below. In about 90 seconds you’ll receive an approximate settlement. Don’t delay! Put an end to the medical bills and expenses that keep coming and start your journey to recovery.
Factors That Commonly Affect Permanent Partial Disability Settlement Amounts
In California, permanent partial disability (PPD) settlement amounts are determined by a combination of factors that take into account the nature and extent of the injury, the impact on the injured worker’s ability to work, and various legal and administrative considerations.
While the specific settlement amount can vary widely from case to case, here are some of the common factors that typically affect PPD settlement amounts in California:
- Medical Evaluation and Impairment Rating: The extent of the injury and the resulting impairment rating assigned by a qualified medical evaluator (QME) or agreed medical evaluator (AME) play a significant role in determining the PPD settlement amount. The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment is often used to assess impairment.
- Age and Occupation: The age of the injured worker and their occupation can influence the settlement amount. Younger workers may receive higher settlements because they have more years left in their careers to be affected by the disability. High-wage earners may also receive larger settlements due to the potential loss of future earning capacity.
- Disability Rating: The disability rating assigned to the injured worker is a crucial factor. A higher rating indicates a more severe disability and typically leads to a larger settlement. California’s workers’ compensation system uses a formula to calculate the settlement amount based on the impairment rating, age, and occupation.
- Future Medical Expenses: The anticipated future medical expenses related to the injury can affect the settlement amount. If the injured worker is expected to require ongoing medical treatment, the settlement may be adjusted to cover these costs.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: If the injured worker is unable to return to their previous job due to their disability, vocational rehabilitation services may be necessary. The cost of vocational rehabilitation and its impact on the worker’s future earning capacity can influence the settlement amount.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If the injured worker had pre-existing medical conditions that contributed to the disability, it can affect the settlement amount. The settlement may be reduced if the pre-existing condition played a significant role in the disability.
- Legal Representation: Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be beneficial in negotiating a fair settlement. Legal representation can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered and that the injured worker’s rights are protected.
- Permanent Disability Schedule: California has a permanent disability schedule that outlines specific compensation rates for different types and degrees of disability. The schedule is used as a guideline in determining the settlement amount.
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution: If there are disputes or litigation involved in the workers’ compensation claim, it can impact the settlement amount. Settlement negotiations or a judge’s decision in a contested case can determine the final settlement amount.
- Settlement Negotiation Skills: The negotiation skills of the injured worker’s attorney or representative can also influence the settlement amount. Skilled negotiators may be able to secure a more favorable settlement.
It’s important to note that workers’ compensation laws and regulations can change, and the specific circumstances of each case can vary significantly.
Therefore, it’s advisable for injured workers in California to seek legal advice and representation to navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and ensure they receive a fair PPD settlement.
Handling a Claim on Your Own vs. With a Lawyer
There are pros and cons to filing a workers’ comp claim on your own vs. with a lawyer. Take a look at some of the most important ones below.
Handling a PPD Settlement on Your Own
Pros
- Cost Savings: You won’t have to pay attorney fees, which typically range from 9% to 15% of your settlement.
- Control: You have full control over your case, decisions, and negotiations.
- Simplicity: If your case is straightforward with no disputes, and you’re confident in your understanding of workers’ compensation laws, you may be able to navigate the process relatively easily.
Cons
- Limited Knowledge: Workers’ compensation laws can be complex, and without legal expertise, you might miss out on potential benefits or make mistakes in your case.
- Negotiation Challenges: Insurance companies may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge, offering lower settlements than you deserve.
- Time-Consuming: Managing the case on your own can be time-consuming, involving paperwork, communication with various parties, and navigating the legal system.
- Risk of Mistakes: Any errors in filing paperwork or missing important deadlines can jeopardize your claim.
- Risk a lower settlement amount: Working on a PPD claim on your own increases your chances of receiving a lower settlement amount as compared to working with a lawyer
Handling a PPD Settlement with a Lawyer
Pros
- Legal Expertise: An experienced workers’ compensation attorney understands the laws and can maximize your benefits by advocating for your rights.
- Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are skilled negotiators and can often secure higher settlement amounts than individuals negotiating on their own.
- Reduced Stress: You can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
- Case Evaluation: An attorney can assess the true value of your claim and advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair.
- Larger potential settlement: Working with an attorney can increase your chances of settling for more money
Cons
- Legal Fees: You’ll need to pay attorney fees, typically a percentage of your settlement.
- Loss of Control: You won’t have full control over the decision-making process, as your attorney will provide guidance.
- Not Always Necessary: For simple cases with no disputes, hiring an attorney may not be cost-effective.
- Delay: Legal processes can sometimes take longer due to negotiations and court proceedings.
Get Connected With a Lawyer
If you are suffering from a PPD injury and are looking for legal help, contact LawLinq today. We work with some of the best work comp attorneys in the state. We connect people just like you free of charge. Don’t risk settling your claim for less than it might be worth.
