Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | June 23, 2025 | Workers' Compensation
If you were severely injured on the job or in an accident, you may have heard the term “permanent partial disability,” or PPD. In Maryland, this classification has a specific meaning under workers’ compensation law and can directly affect your right to receive benefits.
If your injury doesn’t fully heal but doesn’t leave you completely disabled either, PPD benefits may be available to help support you financially as you recover. In this blog post, we’ll break down what this means and how Maryland law treats these types of injuries.
What Qualifies as a Permanent Partial Disability?
Permanent partial disability applies when an injury leaves you with long-term damage but doesn’t totally prevent you from working. In other words, you may still be able to hold a job, just not at the same level or in the same role you had before your injury.
For example, someone who loses partial use of their hand, foot, or hearing due to a workplace accident may qualify for PPD benefits. These impairments are permanent, but they don’t completely eliminate your ability to earn a living.
Under Maryland law, a doctor will evaluate the extent of your injury and determine whether your condition is considered permanent. If so, the Workers’ Compensation Commission may assign a disability rating that helps determine how much you can receive in benefits.
How Maryland Calculates PPD Benefits
The amount and length of time you receive compensation depend on several key factors. These include the following:
- The body part affected by your injury
- The severity of your impairment
- The number of weeks assigned by law for that type of injury
- Your average weekly wage before the injury
Maryland has a scheduled list of body parts with specific compensation durations. For instance, the loss of an arm is rated at 300 weeks, while a hand is rated at 250 weeks. If you lose 50% use of a hand, you’d be entitled to 125 weeks of compensation.
PPD payments are not made in a lump sum right away. Instead, they are usually paid weekly, although some injured workers may negotiate a structured or lump sum settlement depending on their circumstances.
Are There Different Tiers of PPD Compensation?
Yes. In Maryland, PPD compensation is divided into three tiers based on how long your benefits are scheduled to last:
- Tier 1: For awards of 74 weeks or fewer. These pay the lowest weekly rate.
- Tier 2: For awards of 75 to 249 weeks. These pay a higher weekly rate.
- Tier 3: For awards of 250 weeks or more. These are considered serious disability cases and qualify for the highest PPD weekly benefit rate.
Each tier is tied to a percentage of your average weekly wage, with maximum caps set by the state that change annually.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Disagrees?
Sometimes, the insurer or employer may challenge your permanent disability rating or argue that you are not entitled to PPD benefits. They might request an independent medical examination (IME) or push for a lower impairment rating.
If this happens, you can request a hearing before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. At the hearing, both sides will present evidence, and the commission will decide whether (and how much) PPD compensation is appropriate in your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a PPD Claim?
Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights. A lawyer can:
- Ensure your impairment is properly evaluated
- Fight back if the insurance company disputes your claim
- Represent you at commission hearings
- Help you pursue the full benefits allowed under Maryland law
PPD benefits can be confusing, especially if you’re still trying to recover from a serious injury. Having someone on your side who understands the law can make the difference in how your case plays out.
Contact the Charles County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7