Are Permanent Partial Disability Benefits for Life?

If you have suffered a work-related injury in Oregon that has left you with permanent limitations, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits through the workers’ compensation system. But is permanent partial disability really for life?

In general, Oregon employees do not have access to lifetime PPD benefits. The duration of your award will depend on the nature of your injury. Working with an experienced workers’ comp attorney in Oregon can help optimize your chances of receiving the maximum benefits you are entitled to under the law.

What Is Permanent Partial Disability in Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation PPD refers to a benefit employees are eligible to claim when they have sustained a work-related injury that results in permanent impairment but does not entirely prevent them from working. This type of disability falls between temporary total disability and permanent total disability.

Is PPD the Same as a Settlement?

A PPD award is not the same as a settlement. While a settlement is a lump-sum payment that resolves your entire claim, PPD benefits are typically paid out over time based on your PPD disability rating and other factors. However, in some cases, you may have the option to receive your PPD benefits as a lump sum.

Duration of Permanent Partial Disability Benefits and Determining Factors

Your PPD duration will vary depending on several factors:

• Severity of injury – This is determined by your PPD disability rating, which a medical professional assigns.
• Type of injury – Different body parts and injuries have different maximum benefit periods.
• State laws – PPD compensation rules and PPD state laws can significantly affect the duration of benefits.

In Oregon, PPD lifetime benefits are not typically awarded. Instead, the duration of benefits is usually limited based on the above factors. The legal definition of PPD is found in the Oregon injured worker’s brochure. The associated laws in Oregon aim to provide compensation for the permanent loss of function of a portion of the body rather than ongoing lifetime support.

Other factors that influence the duration of PPD benefits include:

• Your occupation and earning capacity
• The specific limitations caused by your injury
• The assigned impairment rating

While PPD benefits may not last for life, they play a crucial role in providing financial support during your recovery and adaptation to new work limitations.

Contact an Experienced Permanent Partial Disability Lawyer Today

Understanding your rights when it comes to PPD benefits can be challenging. At Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., we focus on workers’ compensation cases and can explain your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our attorney is a former member of the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board, and she can:

• Explain the intricacies of PPD benefits in Oregon
• Help you understand your PPD disability rating and its implications
• Advocate for your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation
• Guide you through the claims process, reducing stress and uncertainty

Don’t let confusion about PPD benefits prevent you from receiving the compensation you’re entitled to. Call 503-451-6065 or Contact Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., today for a consultation.