After work-related surgery, a permanent impairment rating determines how much compensation you receive for lasting damage to your body. Doctors assign this rating once further treatment will not improve your condition. In Washington, this percentage directly affects whether you qualify for a lump sum payment, a lifetime pension or minimal benefits that leave you struggling to pay bills.
How doctors calculate your impairment rating
Washington uses the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment to assign ratings. Your doctor will check your range of motion, strength and how your injury limits daily activities. They then assign a percentage that reflects the permanent loss. For example, a shoulder problem after rotator cuff surgery might lead to a 15% upper extremity rating.
What the rating means for your benefits
Your impairment rating determines how much money you get and what type of benefits you receive. Washington workers’ comp pays different benefits depending on how severe the injury is:
- Permanent partial disability award: A lump sum payment for lower ratings, calculated using a state formula.
- Pension: Monthly payments for life if your rating is high enough and you cannot return to gainful employment.
- Loss of earning power: Additional benefits if your injury prevents you from earning what you made before the accident.
The state reviews your rating and picks which benefits you get. Disputes over accuracy can reduce your compensation.
Why the rating process matters in Yakima
Many workers accept the first rating without realizing it can understate the true damage, especially when multiple injuries are present. A low rating can reduce your compensation or push you back to work too soon. A skilled workers’ comp attorney can challenge inaccurate ratings, request an independent exam that considers all your injuries so your benefits match your real limitations.
What to do next
If you disagree with your rating, keep detailed records, get a second medical opinion and consider speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer right away to protect your rights.