Understanding Permanent Partial Disability Ratings in NC Workers' Comp Cases
When you’re injured on the job in North Carolina, the path to recovery can be filled with uncertainty—not just about your health, but also about how you’ll be compensated for your injury. One key part of this process is something called a Permanent Partial Disability rating, or PPD rating. If you’ve heard that term and felt overwhelmed or confused, you’re not alone. This article will help you understand what a PPD rating is, how it fits into your workers’ compensation case, and what your rights are under North Carolina law, especially your right to a second opinion under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-27(b).
What Is a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Rating in NC?
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-31 provides a list that establishes the value for 100% loss of an injured body part. For example, the total loss of the use of your hand (dominant or not) is valued at 200 weeks of compensation (66 2/3% of your average weekly wage).
A Permanent Partial Disability rating is a percentage assigned by a doctor to reflect the level of permanent impairment to a specific part of your body. After your treatment is complete and you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—meaning your condition is as good as it’s going to get—the doctor may assign this rating.
For example:
- A 10% rating to the back might be given for a moderate disc herniation after surgery.
- A 25% rating to the leg might reflect lingering weakness or limited motion following a femur fracture.
- A 5% rating to the hand could be assigned for ongoing stiffness and pain after an injury to a tendon.
These numbers aren’t random—they’re based on medical guidelines and the North Carolina Industrial Commission’s schedule of injuries. But while they may seem clinical or bureaucratic, the numbers have a very real impact on your life and your finances.
How Are PPD Ratings Used in North Carolina Settlements?
In North Carolina, there are three main ways a workers’ compensation case can conclude. The PPD rating plays a critical role in one of those methods: settlement via Form 26A or Form 21, which provides for payment of permanent partial disability benefits based on the rating.
Here’s how it works:
- North Carolina law assigns a statutory number of weeks of compensation to each body part (for example, 300 weeks for a back, 200 weeks for a leg, 200 weeks for a hand).
- That number is multiplied by the percentage rating and the weekly compensation rate to determine the amount of the settlement.
Example: Let’s say you injured your shoulder and received a 10% PPD rating. 100% disability to the arm is worth 240 weeks under the statute.
If your compensation rate is $600/week, your PPD payment would be:
240 weeks × 10% = 24 weeks of pay
24 weeks × $600 = $14,400
This lump sum or installment payment compensates you for the permanent loss of function in that body part.
It is critical to know that there are timelines regarding your right to additional medical treatment and other rights that you will be sacrificing by entering into one of these agreements. Make sure to talk to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before you agree to any kind of settlement to make sure you are making the right choice for you and your family.
Your Right to a Second Opinion – NCGS § 97-27(b)
Here’s something many injured workers don’t know: you have the right to seek a second opinion on your PPD rating. This is guaranteed under North Carolina General Statute § 97-27(b).
This statute allows you to request a second opinion from another doctor of your choice about the extent of your permanent disability. Sometimes insurance adjusters will try and tell you that they have the right to give you options on the doctor you see for this evaluation. This is incorrect and you should contact an attorney immediately if and adjuster will not agree to your selection.
This right is important because the original doctor chosen by the insurance company may not fully understand—or may understate—the lasting impact your injury has had on your life and ability to work. A second opinion could result in a higher disability rating and thus a larger benefit.
To exercise this right, you’ll typically need to file a request with insurance company and may need approval before the exam is scheduled. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through this process to ensure you receive fair treatment.
PPD Ratings Are Not the Only Path to Settlement
It’s important to understand that accepting a PPD rating and the associated payment isn’t your only option—and sometimes, it’s not the best option.
Here are three common types of settlements in North Carolina workers’ compensation:
- PPD Rating Payment (Form 26A): Based solely on your disability rating. You may still keep your medical benefits open. There are time limits regarding medical benefits and you should consult with an attorney about your rights.
- Clincher Agreement (Full and Final Settlement): A lump-sum payment that closes both your wage and medical benefits. This is final—you won’t be able to reopen the case later.
- Wage Loss Claim (NCGS § 97-30 or § 97-29): If your injury prevents you from returning to your job or earning the same wages, you may be entitled to ongoing wage loss benefits instead of (or in addition to) a PPD rating.
Here’s the problem: Insurance companies may push you toward accepting the lowest payout—often based on a low PPD rating—without explaining the other options you may qualify for.
Why You Should Talk to an Attorney Before Accepting Any Settlement
Workers’ compensation law in Durham, Sanford and all across North Carolina is complex. Between the medical terminology, statures, legal rules, and insurance company tactics, it’s easy to feel pressured or confused.
But here’s the truth:
Once you accept any settlement you may give up important rights that you can’t get back.
That’s why it’s so important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before signing anything related to a settlement of your work injury case.
An experienced workers ‘ compensation attorney can:
- Review whether your rating is fair and help you get a second opinion
- Calculate whether you might be eligible for greater benefits through wage loss claims
- Help you negotiate a better settlement, including continued medical coverage if needed
- Protect your rights from aggressive or misleading insurance tactics
- In North Carolina, attorney consultations for a workers’ comp injury are free, and attorneys only get paid if they help you recover benefits. There’s no risk in asking for help or getting an evaluation of a settlement offer—only the potential to protect your future.
You Deserve Fair Compensation and Clear Information
No one asks to be injured at work. But when it happens, you deserve compassion, clarity, and fair compensation. A PPD rating is a technical number, but behind that number is your pain, your hard work, and your life.
Whether you’re dealing with a back injury, a damaged shoulder, or a repetitive stress injury to your hands, your recovery journey is uniquely yours—and the legal process should respect that.
Before accepting a settlement based on a permanent partial disability rating, take the time to understand your rights. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Final Thoughts on North Carolina PPD Ratings
If you or someone you love has received a PPD rating after a workplace injury in Durham, Sanford or anywhere in North Carolina, know that you have options—and you have rights. You are entitled to a second opinion, and you may be eligible for additional benefits depending on your work limitations and future needs.
Don’t let an insurance company decide your future. Speak with someone who’s on your side, and who understands how to protect your rights under North Carolina law.
