Ongoing medical problems after a work injury may require permanent disability benefits, which help replace income lost due to a lasting disability. Permanent disability benefits — sometimes called PD benefits — are available to workers whose injuries have resulted in lasting disabilities and reduced earning capacity, including those pursuing San Bernardino permanent disability workers’ compensation claims.
A doctor must determine whether your injury or illness has resulted in permanent disability, and disputes sometimes arise over doctors’ evaluations. To ensure that you receive all the benefits you need from a permanent disability workers’ compensation claim, it is important to have a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer on your side every step of the way.
How Is Permanent Disability Determined?
In San Bernardino, your doctor evaluates permanent disability after determining that your injury or illness has reached a point where it is unlikely to improve or worsen. A treating physician may conclude that you have reached maximal medical improvement (MMI) or determine that your condition is permanent and stationary (P&S). After making that determination, the physician prepares a report for the workers’ compensation claims administrator stating that you have a permanent disability.
In addition, the doctor will also assess whether any of your disability resulted from anything other than your work injury — for example, a previous condition. Because so much depends on the doctor’s assessment, you should seek evaluation from a physician with experience diagnosing and treating your specific injury or illness.
At the Law Offices of Antony E. Gluck, PC, we have extensive experience in these matters. If you disagree with the doctor’s findings, we can help you select a doctor to do a proper medical examination. Our goal is to help you get the medical care you need — and to help you get the maximum available benefits through workers’ compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss a San Bernardino Permanent Workers’ Compensation Claim
To speak with an experienced attorney about San Bernardino permanent disability workers’ compensation claims, call our offices in San Bernardino at (877) 382-2113 or send us an email. We advise and represent clients throughout Southern California.
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