If you sustained a work-related injury and are seeking workers’ compensation benefits, you might have come across the term impairment rating. Doctors assign an impairment rating to assess the level of disability resulting from a particular injury. The impairment rating assigned to you will determine the benefits you are entitled to and how long they are available to you.
The evaluation process is a critical part of any injured worker’s claim. However, there are often disputes regarding the doctor’s assessment. You might be wondering what your options are to dispute your impairment rating. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney could advise you of your rights under the California Workers’ Compensation Act, as an accurate Fresno assessment of impairment rating is vital to getting you the benefits you need.
After an employee sustains an on-the-job injury and has reached maximum medical improvement, their doctor will conduct an evaluation to assign an impairment rating. While employees are entitled to see their own healthcare provider, they must ensure it is within their employer’s Medical Provider Network and that the doctor is familiar with the American Medical Association (AMA) Guidelines and impairment rating process.
During the evaluation, the doctor will examine the injured worker and consider various factors, including medical records, test results, and previous treatments. The doctor will also evaluate the worker’s symptoms, work limitations, and ongoing needs for treatment. Based on the evaluation, the doctor will then assign a percentage of impairment based on the worker’s limitations and the relevant guidelines.
In California, permanent disability ratings are based on the employee’s medical condition, the date of the injury, the employee’s age, occupation and job duties, and apportionment to job duties.
While hiring an attorney to handle the average workers’ compensation claim is not required, there are advantages to doing so. If the injured worker disagrees with their doctor’s evaluation of their disability status, they have the right to dispute it. A diligent lawyer can advocate for a second opinion or take the doctor’s deposition so that you can pursue the benefits you are entitled to under the law.
The impairment rating a worker is assigned can greatly impact the amount of benefits and timeline for future care. Navigating the complexities of the workers’ compensation system can be difficult without a legal professional. For more information on how an attorney can assist during the impairment rating process, speak with a qualified lawyer in Fresno.
The evaluation and ultimate determination of a worker’s impairment rating is fundamental to the process of getting workers’ compensation coverage. While doctors are obligated to follow the AMA Guidelines when evaluating an injured worker’s condition, sometimes you may not agree with their assessment and could benefit from a second opinion.
Assigning an accurate impairment rating is essential to securing the benefits you need to recover. A determined lawyer could advocate for a second opinion if you disagree with your Fresno assessment of impairment rating and offer expert guidance throughout the process. Contact our firm today for a consultation.
