I got an impairment rating from my doctor and I would like to know what is my next step?
Do I contact workers compensation or should I see an attorney?
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Have your Dr. send it to comp. Then follow up about a settlement with them. This is standard. If you get a lawyer it may go faster but they will take 33% of your money.
Go to your local social security office.They will help you through the various steps to claim social security or disability benifits if you chose to do so.
Workers’ compensation attorneys do NOT get 33%. The rate varies, but typically it is between 12% and 18% depending upon complexity and your state.
Basically, a workers’ comp claim can be resolved based upon a treating physician, a secondary physician or a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). If you are happy with the PTP report and defendant agrees, you can probably resolve this case yourself. If either one of you object, you both typically have a right to a QME (states vary slightly here).
Most states use the AMA Guides 4th or 5th editions to determine impairment ratings. It is a complex book, so there is no really simple answer here. You need to review the report carefully and try to make sense of how the conclusions were reached. Are they supported by diagnostic tests? Was range of motion considered? Was the proper method used (DRE versus ROM for a spine injury). (Many more things to consider depending upon your injury).
If you are satisfied, then work on a settlement with the carrier. If not, then object to the PTP report and seek a QME. You can always consider an attorney and they work on a contingency basis, so calling around will never hurt you. However, whether you really need one really depends on how your feel about your PTP report.
THANK YOU Adam… comprehensive, on point, astute and reliable
response to an otherwise very vague question… well done.