Washington State L&I PPD Settlement Estimator
Estimated PPD Settlement:
' + 'Total Impairment Units: ' + totalUnits.toFixed(1) + ' units' + 'Estimated Settlement Amount: $' + estimatedSettlement.toFixed(2).replace(/\B(?=(\d{3})+(?!\d))/g, ",") + ''; } .calculator-container { background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; max-width: 600px; margin: 20px auto; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif; } .calculator-container h2 { color: #333; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } .calc-input-group { margin-bottom: 15px; } .calc-input-group label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; color: #555; font-weight: bold; } .calc-input-group input[type="number"] { width: calc(100% – 22px); padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 16px; } .calc-button { display: block; width: 100%; padding: 12px 20px; background-color: #007bff; color: white; border: none; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 18px; cursor: pointer; transition: background-color 0.3s ease; margin-top: 20px; } .calc-button:hover { background-color: #0056b3; } .calc-result { margin-top: 25px; padding: 15px; background-color: #e9f7ef; border: 1px solid #d4edda; border-radius: 4px; text-align: center; color: #155724; } .calc-result h3 { color: #155724; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; } .calc-result p { margin: 5px 0; font-size: 17px; } .calc-result strong { color: #000; } .calc-result .error { color: #dc3545; font-weight: bold; }Understanding Your L&I Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Settlement in Washington State
If you've suffered a work-related injury or occupational disease in Washington State, you might be eligible for benefits through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). One significant type of benefit is a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) award. This award compensates you for the permanent loss of function to a body part or to the whole body, even after your medical treatment has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
What is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)?
PPD refers to a permanent impairment that affects your ability to perform certain activities, but does not completely prevent you from working. Examples include a permanent loss of range of motion in a joint, nerve damage, or hearing loss. L&I determines the extent of your PPD based on a medical impairment rating provided by a qualified physician.
How is a PPD Settlement Calculated in Washington State?
The calculation of a PPD settlement in Washington State is based on a specific formula that takes into account several factors:
- Impairment Rating: A physician assigns a percentage of impairment to the affected body part or to your "whole person." This rating is based on objective medical findings and specific guidelines.
- Body Part/Schedule: L&I has different schedules for various body parts (e.g., whole person, upper extremity, lower extremity, hearing, vision). Each schedule dictates how many "units" are assigned per percentage of impairment. For example, a 1% "whole person impairment" is typically assigned 6 units.
- PPD Unit Value: This is a dollar amount assigned to each unit. Crucially, the PPD unit value changes annually and is determined by the date of your injury. An injury occurring in 2020 will use the 2020 unit value, while an injury in 2024 will use the 2024 unit value.
The general formula for calculating a PPD award is:
Estimated PPD Settlement = (Impairment Rating %) × (Units per 1% Impairment for Schedule) × (PPD Unit Value for Injury Year)
Using the L&I PPD Settlement Estimator
Our calculator above provides an estimate of your potential PPD settlement based on the key variables. Here's what each input means:
- Whole Person Impairment Rating (%): This is the percentage of permanent impairment assigned by your doctor. For instance, if your doctor rates you with a 5% whole person impairment, you would enter '5'.
- Units per 1% Impairment (e.g., 6 for Whole Person): This value depends on the specific L&I schedule applicable to your injury. For a "Whole Person Impairment," the standard is often 6 units per 1% impairment. If your injury falls under a different schedule (e.g., upper extremity), this value might differ. Consult L&I resources or a legal professional to confirm the correct units for your specific case.
- PPD Unit Value for Injury Year ($): This is the dollar amount L&I assigns to each unit for the year your injury occurred. This value changes annually. You will need to find the correct PPD unit value corresponding to your specific date of injury. For example, if your injury was in 2023, you'd use the 2023 PPD unit value.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you have a 5% Whole Person Impairment Rating, and for Whole Person Impairment, there are 6 Units per 1% Impairment. If the PPD Unit Value for your injury year is $130.00:
- Total Impairment Units = 5% × 6 units/percent = 30 units
- Estimated Settlement = 30 units × $130.00/unit = $3,900.00
This is the calculation performed by the estimator above.
Important Considerations:
- This calculator provides an estimate only. The actual settlement amount can vary based on L&I's final determination, specific medical reports, and any legal factors involved.
- Date of Injury is Critical: Always ensure you are using the correct PPD unit value for the exact year your injury occurred.
- Consult a Professional: Navigating L&I claims and settlements can be complex. It is highly recommended to consult with an experienced L&I attorney or directly with the Department of Labor & Industries to understand your specific rights and potential benefits.