Permanent Partial Disability Ratings In MN Workers’ Comp
Reaching maximum medical improvement brings a lot of relief, but a low impairment report can quickly shatter that peace. If an insurer is trying to minimize the payout for your permanent injuries, you do not have to fight it alone.
At Malone Bailey, we advocate passionately for injured workers across Minnesota. You work directly with our attorneys, John Malone and Heather Bailey. They bring over 30 years of legal experience to every claim involving permanent partial disability ratings (PPDs). We provide personalized attention to maximize your recovery. With offices in Brainerd, Edina and St. Cloud, we strive to meet you wherever you need us.
What Is A PPD Rating In Minnesota?
A permanent partial disability rating measures the permanent physical or functional loss you suffer from a work injury. Your PPD rating determines the compensation you receive for your loss of bodily function. PPD benefits compensate you for the physical injury itself; they are separate from your wage loss benefits.
You can receive PPD benefits in two ways:
- Periodic payments: Compensation paid weekly based on the historic temporary total disability rate.
- Lump sum payment: Your total award paid at once, though a 5% present-value discount may apply.
Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your doctor can determine your PPD rating.
How Do Minnesota DLI Schedules Work?
Minnesota evaluates permanent injuries using official disability schedules created by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) under Minn. R. Ch. 5223. Doctors use the DLI schedule to assign your condition an impairment percentage. Under Minn. Stat. § 176.101, the state has a fixed dollar multiplier for each percentage point. Higher impairment percentages mean higher dollar tiers. If the schedule does not explicitly list your workplace injury condition, doctors use a comparative Weber rating to match your injury to a similar, listed condition.
The IME Trap And Lowball Ratings
Insurance companies often send injured workers to a so-called independent medical examination (IME). However, these involve doctors hired by the insurer who may assign a low score or a 0% rating. Insurers only have to pay the undisputed lower amount, leaving you shortchanged.
Some examples of rating calculation errors include:
- Improperly combining ratings instead of following statutory instructions
- Reducing ratings based on a preexisting condition
- Withholding or delaying uncontested lump sums
Our workers’ compensation lawyers know how to fight these unfair tactics.
How Malone Bailey Challenges Bad Ratings
Challenging an IME rating in Minnesota requires the help of a workers’ comp attorney. We fight to secure the PPD benefits that Minnesota workers’ compensation law guarantees you under Minn. Stat. § 176.101. Our attorneys regularly partner with physicians for accurate evaluations to build a comprehensive claim. We will not hesitate to present your case before state workers’ compensation judges. We handle every case on a no-win, no-fee contingency basis.
Schedule A Free Evaluation With A Minnesota Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Our team at Malone Bailey will work tirelessly to recover maximum benefits for you so you receive every dollar you deserve. Please contact us today at 952-209-9018 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.