Permanent Injuries to Arms, Legs, Eyes and Ears
When you cannot work because of a workplace injury, workers' compensation is there to pay a portion of your lost wages and to provide the medical benefits you need.
But what if you have lost functional use of a part of your body? You may still be able to work, but you should have compensation for loss of function. Through workers' compensation impairment ratings, you can be compensated.
Extremity ratings refer to compensation for loss of function.
Whole person ratings refer to permanent disabilities that affect the entire body. Extremity ratings — also called scheduled ratings — refer to specific extremities. Permanent impairment awards are determined by how much function has been lost according to an evaluation by the attending doctor. The amount of financial payment you receive for your disability is determined by statute.
The upper extremities are defined as the arms and any part of the arms, including hands and fingers. The lower extremities include the legs, feet and toes. The ears (loss of hearing) are included as scheduled impairments.
To learn more about your rights under Colorado workers' compensation law, you are welcome to call attorney Cliff Eley at the Eley Law Firm in Denver. While no amount of compensation can make up for loss of an extremity, make sure you have all the compensation allowed under workers' compensation.
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The law can be confusing and employers and insurance carriers may not clearly explain all of your rights concerning extremity ratings. Call or e-mail the Eley Law Firm in Denver. The consultation is free.
