In Georgia, PPD stands for Permanent Partial Disability. This is a benefit you receive if you suffer a lasting impairment because of your work-related injury. PPD benefits are commonly misunderstood. This is often because it comes later in the claim and involves complicated factors. Understanding how it works, and whether you are owed PPD, is best handled with the help of a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer.
At Underwood Law, LLC, our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help with PPD issues and beyond. We know what you are going through, and we’re here to help.
PPD Is Paid When You Have a Permanent Impairment
PPD benefits begin only after your authorized treating physician (ATP) determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI means your condition has stabilized and you are not expected to get significantly better or worse with additional treatment.
Once you reach MMI, your doctor evaluates whether your injury caused a permanent loss of function. If so, the doctor assigns a permanent impairment rating based on the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides.
This rating is expressed as a percentage, such as:
- 5% impairment to the arm
- 10% impairment to the spine
- 3% impairment to the whole body
The percentage determines how long you will receive PPD payments.
PPD Is Not Based on Your Ability to Work
Many injured workers assume PPD is tied to whether they can return to their job. In Georgia, that is not the case. PPD is strictly a medical benefit, not a wage‑replacement benefit.
Key points:
- You can receive PPD even if you return to full‑duty work
- You can receive PPD even if you never missed work
- You can receive PPD even if you are earning more than before your injury
PPD compensates you for the permanent loss of bodily function, not lost wages.
How PPD Payments Are Calculated in Georgia
Georgia uses a statutory formula to determine how long PPD benefits last. The formula combines:
- Your impairment rating
- The body part involved
- The number of weeks assigned to that body part under Georgia law
- Your workers’ comp weekly rate
Each body part has a specific number of weeks assigned by statute. To calculate PPD, your impairment rating is multiplied by the number of weeks assigned to the affected body part.
Your weekly PPD payment is the same as your temporary disability rate, typically two‑thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximums.
When PPD Payments Begin
PPD does not start immediately after your injury. It begins only after:
- You reach maximum medical improvement
- Your doctor assigns an impairment rating
- Any temporary disability benefits (TTD or TPD) have ended
If you are still receiving TTD or TPD, PPD payments are delayed until those benefits stop. Georgia law does not allow PPD to be paid at the same time as wage‑replacement benefits.
PPD and Settlement Negotiations
PPD ratings play a major role in Georgia workers’ comp settlements. While PPD itself is a fixed statutory benefit, the impairment rating often influences:
- The value of future medical care
- The likelihood of returning to work
- The strength of a claim for ongoing disability
- The insurer’s willingness to negotiate
A higher impairment rating generally increases the settlement value because it suggests more serious long‑term limitations.
However, PPD is only one factor. Settlements also consider:
- Future medical treatment needs
- Work restrictions
- Ability to return to your job
- Vocational limitations
- Disputes over causation or treatment
Understanding your PPD rating helps you evaluate whether a settlement offer is reasonable.
Can You Challenge a PPD Rating?
Yes. If you believe your impairment rating is too low, you can request:
- A second opinion
- An independent medical evaluation (IME)
- A hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Ratings can be adjusted if the evidence supports a higher level of impairment.
Why PPD Matters in Your Claim
PPD is often the final stage of a Georgia workers’ comp case. It provides compensation for permanent damage and helps determine the long‑term value of your claim. Even if you return to work, your PPD rating reflects the lasting impact of your injury and ensures you receive compensation for that loss.
Our Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys are Here to Help
If you were hurt at work, we’re here to help. Whether your injury is permanent or will eventually heal, we know how to seek the benefits you’re owed.
Our team at Underwood Law, LLC are ready to help with your needs. Contact us today for a consultation.
