When Does My Work Comp Claim End? Understanding PPD in Nevada

One of the most common questions injured workers in Reno, NV ask is: “When my workers’ comp claim ends, will I get a settlement?”

It’s a fair question. A person goes through a lot after an injury. You have to make doctor visits, undergo treatment, and take time away from work. It’s natural to wonder what happens next.

So, the answer is yes, you may receive a payment, but it’s not the same as a typical personal injury settlement. Under Nevada workers’ compensation, this final payment is known as a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefit. Understanding how it works can help you know what to expect and make sure you’re treated fairly.

What Is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)?

It’s a benefit paid to workers who have an incurable physical impairment after a workplace injury. PPD is paid after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

Your workers’ compensation claim is calculated in two phases.

• Phase One – You are healing in this phase. You receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) checks to help cover your lost wages while the doctor treats you.
• Phase Two – You have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This doesn’t mean you are 100% back to normal, the way you were before the accident. It means the doctors have done all they can do, and there are no chances of further improvement in your physical condition.

If you still have lasting physical effects, like a limited range of motion in your shoulder, loss of strength in your hand, or a permanent back injury, the PPD benefit is planned to compensate you for that permanent impairment. Unlike Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, which are paid while a worker is recovering, PPD benefits address the long-term effects of an injury that permanently impacts the worker’s physical abilities.

How Is An Injury Impairment Measured?

Once your condition is stable, the insurance company will schedule an appointment for you with an expert rating doctor. This doctor won’t be treating your injury. Instead, their job is to use a big green book called the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th Edition) to give your injury a percentage. For example, they might decide you have a 5% whole-person impairment.

What Kind of Physical Inability Is Considered for Rating?

Your PPD rating is based on any lasting physical problems caused by your injury that affect your ability to work.

• Loss of movement
• Reduced strength
• Nerve damage or loss of sensation
• Effects of surgeries or ongoing pain

Any such condition that does not fully heal and limits your ability to work is included for the PPD rating.

Note – In Nevada, every 1% of impairment equals an exact amount of money. If the doctor misses a detail, like how much strength you’ve lost or a particular surgical result, and rates you at 3% instead of 5%, you could lose thousands of dollars immediately.

How Is the PPD Amount Calculated?

Once the impairment rating is assigned, Nevada law uses a formula to calculate the value of the PPD award on the basis of the worker’s average monthly wage (AMW) and their age at the time of injury.

In general, workers who are younger or earn higher wages may receive larger awards because their injury can have a greater impact on their future earning ability.

How Are PPD Benefits Paid?

PPD benefits are paid depending on the size of the award.

• Larger awards are often paid over time in monthly installments, providing a regular income.
• You may also choose to receive your benefit as a lump-sum amount, mainly for smaller awards. This gives you immediate access to the award money.

Important – If you choose the second option, the total amount may be slightly reduced because it is paid all together. Nevada also has rules about how much you can take as a lump sum if your rating is high, so it is important to talk to a lawyer and understand your options before making a decision.

What If Your Rating Seems Too Low?

Sometimes, the rating given by a doctor may not fully reflect your condition, and you continue to experience more pain, reduced mobility, or functional limitations.

In such a situation, Nevada law (NRS 616C.145 or NRS 616C.110) allows the worker to request a second evaluation. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you in this process.

Common Mistakes You Must Avoid

• Settling Too Early

Never accept a PPD award before a doctor officially declares you have reached MMI. If you settle early, while you still need surgery, you could be giving up your right to have that surgery paid for. Before accepting any decision, speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer to make sure your rights are fully protected.

• Ignoring Concurrent Wages

If your Average Monthly Wage (AMW) was calculated wrong at the start, for example, they forgot to include your second job, your final PPD settlement will also be wrong. Always get it reviewed by a trusted workers’ compensation attorney.

• Missing Deadlines

You have a short time period to appeal a rating or a wage judgment. If you wait too long, the insurance company’s calculation is secured as your compensation, and you may not claim further. These mistakes can reduce your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does settling my claim mean I have to quit my job?

No. A PPD benefit is compensation for a permanent physical loss, like a back injury or a restricted shoulder. It is not a resignation payment. You can receive your PPD award and continue working for the same employer if you are physically able to do the work.

2. How much is the average PPD settlement?

There is no fixed average. Every PPD award is calculated based on your age, average monthly wage (AMW), and impairment rating. Even a small change in your rating can make a big difference in the amount you receive, so it’s best to have a workers’ compensation attorney review all calculations.

3. What if I disagree with the doctor’s rating?

You don’t have to accept the first number you are given immediately. If you feel the rating doctor missed something, like your loss of strength or the impact of your surgery, you have the right to request a Second Rating from a different doctor.

Takeaway

A permanent injury changes your life. It might change the types of jobs you can do, how you play with your kids, or your overall quality of life. When your workers’ compensation claim ends, you can receive a settlement in the form of a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefit.

Understanding how it works helps you make better decisions and get the compensation you deserve.

Not Sure About Your PPD Settlement? Contact Herb Santos Jr. to Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The PPD benefit is the state’s way of acknowledging that loss. However, it’s important for injured workers to review their impairment rating, understand how it was calculated, and make sure all medical information has been included.

If you need help understanding your PPD award or making the right decision about your benefits, you don’t have to handle it alone. Herb Santos Jr. is here with 30+ years of experience helping injured workers in Nevada review their claims and avoid costly mistakes.

Herb Santos, Jr. is a Board Certified Workers’ Comp Specialist in Reno who knows how to fix calculation errors that cost you money. From reviewing your Average Monthly Wage to negotiating your final PPD settlement, Herb makes sure you get every dollar Nevada law allows.

Contact the Law Office of Herb Santos, Jr. at 775-323-5200 and secure the compensation you deserve.