Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits in Georgia

After falling off a ladder at work, you think you will be back on the job in a few weeks. But after surgery and months of physical therapy, your doctor says you have permanent damage to your shoulder. You can’t lift heavy items anymore. You are ready to work, but not at the same level as before. Your employer says you have reached “Maximum Medical Improvement” and should file for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. Confused and frustrated, you turn to a permanent partial disability lawyer for help understanding what comes next.

If you or someone you love has been injured on the job in Georgia, and the injury causes lasting limitations—even if you can return to work—you may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits under Georgia workers’ compensation law.

Here we explain Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits in Georgia and how you can maximize your benefits.

What Is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) In Georgia?

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)** refers to a lasting injury or impairment from a work-related accident that doesn’t completely prevent you from working. It means your body has suffered permanent damage, but you can still do some type of work—even if it is not the same kind of work you did before.

Georgia workers’ compensation law provides PPD benefits to help make up for the long-term impact of these injuries. These benefits are based on the severity and location of your injury and are paid even if you return to work at the same or similar job.

Who Qualifies for PPD Benefits in Georgia?

To qualify for PPD benefits, you must meet these key requirements:

• You were injured at work – The injury must be job-related.
• You’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – This means your doctor has determined your condition won’t get any better with more treatment.
• Your doctor gives you a PPD rating – This rating reflects how much of your body has been permanently impaired.

Your treating physician will assign a percentage based on medical guidelines. For example, if your doctor says you have a 20% impairment to your arm, you’ll receive compensation based on that rating.

It’s important to note that you cannot receive PPD benefits until you’ve completed your healing process and reached MMI.

How Are PPD Benefits Calculated?

Georgia uses a formula to calculate permanent partial disability benefits, which includes:

• Your impairment rating
• The type of body part injured
• Your weekly workers’ comp rate

Each body part is assigned a certain number of weeks under Georgia law. For example:

• Arm = 225 weeks
• Leg = 225 weeks
• Hand = 160 weeks
• Foot = 135 weeks
• Eye = 150 weeks
• Whole body (general injuries) = Based on a 300-week scale

Here is an example:  You injured your leg and got a 10% impairment rating. Multiply 10% by 225 weeks (for a leg), and you get 22.5 weeks of benefits. Multiply that by your weekly rate, and you’ll know how much you’ll receive.

Because calculating this can get complicated, it’s smart to speak with a permanent partial disability attorney who knows how the formula works and ensures you get the correct payment.

Why a PPD Lawyer Can Help

Many workers don’t realize they are eligible for PPD benefits or are unsure how to go about getting them. Others are underpaid because their injury rating was too low or calculated incorrectly.

Here’s why you should consider hiring a PPD lawyer:

• Your rating might be too low – A second medical opinion might reveal a higher impairment.
• Your benefits might be miscalculated – A PPD attorney can double-check the math and ensure your weekly rate is accurate.
• Your employer or insurance may dispute your claim – Legal help can protect your rights and fight for what you deserve.
• Negotiating settlements – A seasoned permanent partial disability lawyer can negotiate a fair lump-sum settlement if that’s the best option for you.

It costs nothing to consult with most workers’ compensation attorneys, and in Georgia, attorneys’ fees are limited by law, often only paid from the benefits you win.

Common Injuries That Lead to PPD

Some injuries are more likely to result in a permanent partial disability. These include:

• Back or neck injuries
• Arm or leg injuries (fractures, nerve damage)
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Burn injuries or disfigurement
• Joint damage (knee, shoulder, wrist)
• Repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)

If your injury causes lasting issues—like reduced strength, limited motion, or pain—you may have a qualifying PPD.

What Happens After You Get a PPD Rating?

Once your doctor gives you a PPD rating:

• Your employer’s insurance company should calculate your benefits and start paying.
• You should receive a form called WC-104 or WC-2 showing your rating and how benefits are calculated.
• Payments are usually made weekly until your awarded amount is paid in full.

However, problems can occur.  Insurance companies, who are in the business of making money for their shareholders, may delay or underpay benefits. You may also disagree with the rating or payment schedule. That’s when it’s important to speak with a permanent partial disability attorney to protect your rights.

Can You Get Other Workers’ Comp Benefits Too?

PPD benefits are only one type of workers’ compensation benefit in Georgia. You may also be eligible for:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – When you can’t work at all.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – When you can work, but earn less money.
• Medical treatment coverage – Including surgeries, medications, therapy, and more.
• Mileage reimbursement**: For trips to and from medical appointments.

A PPD lawyer can help you understand what benefits you qualify for and make sure you’re not missing out.

Contact a Georgia PPD Lawyer Today

We hope this information helped you understand Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits in Georgia and how you can maximize your benefits. The PPD lawyers at the Mann law firm understand how stressful work injuries can be.  We want to help.  Give us a call today at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation. At the Mann law firm, you always come first.