Legal Question in Workers Comp in California
I have been deemed 13% permanently disabled; they want to pay me monthly for 42 weeks- what happen after the 42 weeks? Is this saying that I cannot work at full capacity as a tile setter ever again. What is the 42 weeks pay for?
2 Answers from Attorneys
That is your partial settlement. You have open future medical. You can settle with a compromise and release if you no longer work for the employer. Feel free to call me at 213-388-7070 for a free consultation.
Millions of folks work all day with 13% permanent disability, so you can work just fine. 13% just means that compared to others in your age bracket and skill set, you are 13% less likely to be hired because of this residual disability. Only people who have 100% permanent disability cannot work at all, fortunately that is not you. The $290/week for 42 weeks is to 'supplement' your wages while you develop a new skill or expertise making you more valuable to employers so they will pay you for your new skills what they used to pay you for what you cannot do due to the injury. After you get 42 weeks of PPD payments, you are not due any further disability payments (unless you provide an admissible medical report showing additional permanent disability).