What Is the Impairment Rating Payout in Texas?
If you’re hurt in a workplace accident, it can take a while to recover fully. Typically, injured workers can claim workers’ compensation to help with their injuries. However, what happens if you’re permanently harmed and you won’t fully recover?
In such cases, you might be entitled to Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). To get IIBs, you first need an “impairment rating”. Below, we explain how the rating system works and what your impairment rating payout might look like.
What Is an Impairment Rating?
Your impairment rating is a “score” issued by a healthcare provider. It’s issued once your doctor determines that you’re as recovered as you’ll ever be. This is known as reaching “maximum medical improvement” (MMI).
For example, say you have nerve damage after a workplace accident. The incident leaves you permanently impaired. A doctor determines when your nerves have recovered “fully”, meaning they won’t improve any further. At this point, you’ve reached MMI.
- A doctor evaluates your injuries and their impact on your body as a whole.
- They’ll issue a score on a scale of 1% to 99%. The higher the number, the more severe the disability.
Up until the point you’re issued with an impairment rating, you may have received temporary benefits. Once you get a score, though, these benefits stop. At this point, you may become eligible for IIBs.
When Do Workers Get an Impairment Rating?
An injured employee won’t get an impairment rating until they reach maximum medical fitness. Meaning, it could be a number of weeks, or months, before you get your rating. It all depends on how long it takes you to recover to the fullest extent possible.
When Do Impairment Benefits Start and End?
The start and end dates vary, but generally, here’s how it works.
- Benefits start: The day after you reach your maximum medical improvement.
- Benefits end: When you’ve received a total of three weeks’ worth of payments for each percentage of your rating.
An example or two will help make this clearer. Say your IR rating is 8%. Based on the start and end dates, you’re entitled to 24 weeks’ worth of benefit payments.
Or, if you have a 10 impairment rating, payouts last for 30 weeks.
What Is the Impairment Rating Payout?
The permanent impairment rating payout is simply the money you receive in IIBs. The payout is based on how much full body functionality you have lost due to the injury or illness. Let’s break down how it’s calculated.
How Is the Impairment Rating Payout Calculated?
Your payout is based on the doctor’s assessment and your impairment rating.
For example, say you lose some use of a small finger. The doctor may determine that you’ve lost 1% or 2% of your overall functional capacity. Your payout is based on this rating.
Impairment Rating Payout Calculator in Texas
Ok, so that’s how your rating is calculated, but how much money will you receive?
In Texas, your payments are up to 70% of your annual weekly wage. So, for example, if your annual weekly wage is $800, the most you can receive is $560.
Calculating payouts can be complex. You should consult an experienced attorney for advice on this matter.
Can I Challenge My Impairment Rating?
Yes. If you don’t agree with the impairment rating, you can dispute it.
- You must file a dispute with the Texas Department of Insurance.
- You only have 90 days to dispute your impairment rating. This is 90 days from the date you’re assigned a rating.
- If you don’t file a dispute on time, your rating will become permanent.
If you’re concerned about your impairment rating, talk to a workers’ comp attorney immediately.
How Can a Workers’ Comp Attorney in Texas Help?
Sure, it’s tempting to handle your workers’ comp claim alone. However, here’s why it’s best to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help.
- A workers’ comp attorney can ensure you get the full range of benefits you deserve for a work-related injury.
- Your lawyer will also aim to make sure that your benefits persist for as long as possible.
- Hiring an attorney means you won’t miss filing deadlines or exceed time limits for making claims.
When you hire a lawyer, you can focus on recovering from illness or injury. Your attorney takes care of the complex work for you.
Workers’ Comp Attorney in Houston, TX
Impairment evaluations are complicated. If you’re injured at work and need impairment income benefits, the Alexander Law Firm can help. We will ensure that you receive the maximum level of benefits you deserve. We’ll also fight to guarantee that you get the full amount of workers’ comp you’re entitled to.
You have nothing to lose – we don’t charge anything unless we’re successful. For a free, no-obligation meeting with a workers’ comp attorney, call (800) 350-5110 or complete our contact form.