Left with a disability that's "partial in character, but permanent in quality" after your workplace injury or occupational disease reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)? You may be entitled to Georgia workers' compensation permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits.
Paid at the same rate as temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, PPD benefits compensate injured workers for permanent damage done to a particular body part or the body as a whole. How long these payments last depends on the percentage of disability rating your doctor assigned your injuries, whether they're considered schedule or non-schedule losses, and the maximum number of weeks listed in the statute.
In Georgia, the maximum number of weeks you can collect PPD benefits for the loss—or loss of use—of various body parts is as follows:
- Arm – 225 weeks
- Leg – 225 weeks
- Hand – 160 weeks
- Foot – 135 weeks
- Thumb – 60 weeks
- Index finger – 40 weeks
- Middle finger – 35 weeks
- Ring finger – 30 weeks
- Little finger – 25 weeks
- Big toe – 30 weeks
- Other toes – 20 weeks
- Loss of hearing in one ear – 75 weeks
- Loss of hearing in both ears – 150 weeks
- Loss of vision in one eye – 150 weeks
- Loss of vision in both eyes – 300 weeks
- Body as a whole – 300 weeks
Injuries that aren't specifically listed in the statute are considered non-schedule losses. You can still receive PPD benefits for these injuries. In such cases, the duration of payments is determined by your percentage of disability rating and the 300-week maximum for disability to the "body as a whole."
Need Help Recovering the Workers' Comp PPD Benefits You Deserve?
A permanent partial disability can affect your earning potential for the rest of your life. At Rechtman & Spevak, our highly-skilled Georgia workers' compensation attorneys help injured workers recover the fair benefits they need and deserve after a devastating work-related injury or illness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you.
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