Permanent Partial Disability Attorney in Sacramento, California

Suffering an injury at work that results in a permanent partial disability (PPD) can significantly alter your life, affecting not only your ability to work, but your overall well-being.

Understanding PPD and working through the workers' compensation system is essential for securing the benefits you are entitled to.  

At The Law Office of Cezar J. Torrez, I am dedicated to guiding you through this challenging process. I have the experience, resources, and knowledge to steer you in the right direction. I proudly assist clients in Sacramento, California, and throughout East Sacramento, Oak Park, South Natomas, North Sacramento, West Sacramento, North Natomas, Arden-Arcade, Rosemont, Lemon Hill, Pocket, Riverview. 

What Is Permanent Partial Disability? 

PPD refers to a condition where an individual experiences a long-term impairment that partly restricts their ability to work and carry out daily activities.

Unlike temporary disabilities, PPD is enduring and doesn't completely incapacitate an individual, but does lead to diminished functioning or efficiency in certain areas. 

Types of Permanent Partial Disability 

PPD can present itself in various forms, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Each variety comes with its own set of challenges and necessitates specific adaptations for the affected individual. Common types include: 

Loss of Function in Limbs 

This form of PPD involves a partial loss of strength or mobility in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. For instance, reduced grip strength could make it challenging to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, like typing or handling tools. Limited leg mobility might affect one's capacity to walk or stand for prolonged times, possibly requiring assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs. Physical therapy often plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, aiming to maximize remaining functionality. 

Sensory Impairment 

Impairments in vision or hearing due to workplace incidents fall into this category. Exposure to high-decibel noise without adequate protection might result in permanent hearing loss, reducing effective communication. Vision impairment could range from partial sight loss to complete blindness in one or both eyes, hindering abilities like reading or driving. Adaptive technologies, including hearing aids and screen readers, can minimize some impacts, though they often require a learning period and ongoing usage support. 

Chronic Pain 

PPD characterized by persistent pain in areas such as the back, neck, or joints following an injury can be debilitating, affecting physical performance as well as mental health. Management typically involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including medications, physical therapy, and psychological support. Pain management programs aim to lessen the pain to a tolerable level, enabling individuals to sustain daily routines. 

Internal Injuries 

Long-term health issues resulting from damage to internal organs are another aspect of PPD. For example, injuries to the liver or kidneys due to a severe blow may lead to chronic conditions necessitating ongoing medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. This might include dietary changes, regular monitoring of organ function, and lifelong medication to manage symptoms and hinder further deterioration. 

The impact of these PPD types on one's ability to perform routine tasks is profound, often requiring long-term lifestyle and work environment adjustments, career changes, home modifications for accessibility, and the integration of assistive technologies.  

Emotional and psychological support is equally vital to help manage the mental health aspects of living with a disability. Collaboration between employers, healthcare providers, and support networks is essential for helping individuals with PPD lead fulfilling lives. 

How PPD Is Determined 

Assessing Permanent Partial Disability involves a comprehensive medical evaluation to understand the extent of your injury and its effect on everyday functioning. The key components of this process include: 

• Medical examinations: Conducted by various specialists such as orthopedists and neurologists, these examinations assess the physical and neurological impact of your injury and provide expert opinions on its severity and implications. 

• Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE): These tests evaluate your physical capabilities and limitations, assessing functions such as strength, flexibility, and endurance to determine how your injury affects your performance of specific work-related tasks. 

• Case assessments: This holistic review examines your personal and professional life, considering factors like your job requirements, how your injury impacts those requirements, and personal circumstances such as age, education, and overall health. 

• Documentation and reports: Detailed documentation is compiled throughout the evaluation process, creating a comprehensive record of your condition for legal and insurance purposes. 

This thorough approach ensures that the evaluation is as accurate and fair as possible, providing a clear understanding of the injury's implications for your life. 

Compensation for Permanent Partial Disability 

Receiving compensation for PPD can be complex, involving various legal and administrative steps. Here are the main components of typical compensation: 

Wage Loss Benefits 

These benefits address the reduced earning potential due to your disability. The calculation of these benefits considers: 

• Pre-injury earnings: Your average earnings before the injury. 

• Post-injury earnings: Your current earning potential given the disability. 

• Percentage of disability: The extent of your disability, as determined by medical evaluations, influencing the proportion of wage loss benefits you receive. 

Medical Benefits 

These benefits cover ongoing treatments, therapies, and medications necessary due to the disability, including: 

• Physician visits: Regular appointments with specialists. 

• Surgical procedures: Required surgeries to stabilize or improve your condition. 

• Physical therapy: Rehabilitative sessions aimed at restoring function. 

• Medications: Prescription drugs for pain management or other health issues related to the disability. 

• Assistive devices: Equipment like braces, wheelchairs, or prosthetics. 

Vocational Rehabilitation 

Vocational rehabilitation helps you transition to a different job role if needed, providing: 

• Career counseling: Guidance to identify suitable job opportunities. 

• Retraining programs: Educational courses or vocational training to acquire new skills. 

• Job placement services: Assistance in finding jobs that match your new skill set. 

• Workplace accommodations: Modifications to the work environment to meet your needs. 

Navigating these aspects often requires the help of legal professionals to ensure you receive all entitled benefits. 

Enlist Trusted Legal Guidance  

Handling a PPD claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. At The Law Office of Cezar J. Torrez, I provide experienced legal support to ensure your PPD claim is managed effectively.

If you’re dealing with a permanent partial disability due to a workplace injury, don’t go through this alone. Schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Cezar J. Torrez to discuss your case and learn how I can help you get the compensation and support you deserve.