Tacoma Permanent Disability Lawyer

Fighting to Secure Benefits for Permanently Disabled Workers in the Counties of Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston & King

At McCarthy Law Office, PLLC, we understand the life-altering impact a workplace injury can have on workers and their families. Attorney Conor McCarthy is committed to guiding injured workers through the complexities of workers' compensation claims, especially those involving permanent disabilities.

We know how critical these benefits can be to you and your family. In the wake of a disabling workplace accident or occupational disease, you may need advice, guidance, or representation to navigate the Washington state workers’ compensation system with its many complications and requirements. Our firm is here to assist you with nearly 20 years of experience and a strong track record of success.

Talk to our Tacoma permanent disability attorney in a complimentary consultation about your case by contacting us online or calling (844) 224-5029.

What Is Considered a Permanent Disability According to Washington State Law?

Permanent disability is any long-term impairment that restricts an individual’s ability to perform routine work activities. Determining a permanent disability involves medical evaluations and assessments of the worker's residual functional capacity.

These disabilities can be broadly categorized into two types:

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) occurs when a worker sustains a permanent impairment that partially limits their ability to work but can still perform some work-related activities.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): This is when a worker's injuries ultimately prevent them from returning to any gainful employment.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Permanent Disability

The benefits for permanent disabilities vary depending on the severity and nature of the impairment.

Workers with permanent partial disabilities may receive compensation based on the specific body part affected and the extent of the impairment. These benefits aim to cover the loss of earning capacity.

Workers deemed permanently disabled are entitled to more comprehensive benefits, often including lifetime wage replacement benefits and medical care for the injury.

Examples of Permanent Disability

Permanent disability can involve various impairments, such as:

• Amputations: Loss of a limb or part of a limb due to a workplace accident can qualify as a permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD), depending on how the amputation affects the person’s ability to work.
• Severe back injuries: Chronic back problems resulting from incidents such as heavy lifting or falls, leading to long-term impairment and inability to perform previous work duties, can be considered for PPD or PTD benefits.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can lead to significant and permanent changes to body function below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries are classified based on their severity, with "complete" injuries resulting in a total loss of function and sensation below the level of injury and "incomplete" injuries allowing for some degree of preserved function or sensation.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can have a wide range of effects on cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical capabilities. Workers suffering from TBIs that result in lasting impairments could be eligible for permanent disability benefits.
• Hearing loss: Occupational exposure to loud noise without adequate hearing protection can lead to partial or total hearing loss, which is compensable under PPD if it permanently affects the worker's ability to engage in certain work activities. Be advised: if you have suffered hearing loss as a result of your exposure to occupational noise at work, you have two years from your last date of exposure to occupational noise to file a claim to obtain PPD benefits, or you forfeit your rights to a PPD award (although you may still remain eligible for medical aid benefits). See RCW 51.28.055(2)(b).
• Vision loss: Permanent vision impairment caused by work-related incidents or exposure to harmful substances can qualify a worker for PPD benefits, depending on the severity and impact on their employment capabilities.
• Respiratory diseases: Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals or dust can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), potentially leading to PPD or PTD benefits if they permanently limit the worker's ability to perform their job.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). First Responders, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and Health Care Employees are eligible to receive permanent disability benefits for PTSD arising from work-related stress or traumatic events. 
• Mental Health conditions. Although mental health conditions arising from work are generally excluded from industrial insurance coverage (with the exception of PTSD set forth above), industrial insurance benefits are available for employees suffering from mental health conditions which arose from their industrial injuries.
• Significant burns or disfigurement: Severe burns that result in scarring, disfigurement, or loss of skin elasticity can qualify as PPD. The extent of the burns and their location, along with how they affect the worker's ability to perform specific job tasks or impact their life outside of work, are considered in the evaluation process. 

How McCarthy Law Office, PLLC Can Help Workers with Disability Claims

Permanent disability is a serious matter that can profoundly affect your life. Securing the workers’ compensation benefits you need and deserve is essential in such cases but can be complicated.

Our firm can help by assessing the details of your case to determine the best course of action, gathering and presenting medical evidence to support your claim, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to secure the maximum benefits under the law.

If your claim is contested by your employer or the Department of Labor & Industries (L & I), we can represent you in formal hearings or a trial, advocating on your behalf every step of the way.

Contact us online or call (844) 224-5029 for a free case evaluation with our Tacoma permanent disability lawyer today.