Workplace-related injuries are traumatic and can seriously affect a person’s ability to perform their job and provide for their families. While most people are able to recover quickly, some injuries, like overexertion or repetitive motion injuries, require more time to heal. In some instances, injuries are so severe that a full recovery is impossible, preventing the employee from returning to work. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide disability benefits in these situations.
If you sustained a serious, debilitating injury while on the job that prevents you from performing your job-related tasks, you may be entitled to benefits. The expert workers’ compensation attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego have experience filing Van Nuys permanent disability workers’ compensation claims and could assist you with your case.
When people think of workplace accidents, they often imagine explosions or machinery malfunctions. However, most job-related injuries occur gradually and result in temporary bodily damage. When an employee is injured on the job and requires medical attention, they are typically eligible for temporary disability benefits, which pay a portion of their wages while they recover.
However, certain industries carry a heightened risk of catastrophic accidents. For example, construction or manufacturing occupations often involve heavy machinery, dangerous chemicals, and hazardous working environments. An injury in these industries could result in permanent injuries, preventing an employee from returning to work after treatment. Examples of injuries that could be permanent include:
An injury may be considered permanent if it limits a person’s ability to work, even after treatment. An experienced lawyer could help individuals in Van Nuys navigate permanent disability workers’ compensation claims and ensure they meet all legal requirements.
Your available benefits depend on the severity and extent of your injury, which can fall under one of two categories: total or partial permanent disability. This is determined by the primary doctor treating your injury. During your treatment, your doctor may determine that the injury has reached the point where it is no longer improving, a condition called maximum medical improvement (MMI). At this time, your doctor will prepare a report to calculate your disability rating, which estimates how much the injury limits your ability to perform your job.
Disability ratings range from 1 to 100 percent, with 100 percent meaning that the injury completely prevents you from performing your job. A 100 percent rating is considered total permanent disability, which is rare. Any rating under 100 percent is classified as partial permanent disability and offers different benefits.
If you are navigating permanent disability workers’ compensation claims, a knowledgeable lawyer in Van Nuys could help you understand the benefits available based on your disability rating. Additionally, they could assist in disputing the disability rating to ensure you receive the total benefits you are entitled to.
Being unable to work due to an injury can leave you feeling helpless, especially if your family depends on you. An expert Van Nuys permanent disability workers’ compensation claims attorney at Glauber Berenson Vego could help you understand your rights and the benefits available to you.
They could also assist with filing a permanent disability claim and advocate on your behalf if there is a dispute. Contact Glauber Berenson Vego today to get started.
