Understanding Florida’s Impairment Rating Chart

Work-related injuries range from minor issues that need a little rest to severe conditions that cause permanent limitations. For temporary disabilities, workers’ compensation benefits typically cover lost wages and medical care during recovery. But what happens when an injury results in a permanent impairment?

In Florida, the workers’ compensation system uses a specific rating method to determine benefits for permanent injuries. This method is outlined in what is commonly known as an impairment rating chart. Understanding how this chart works is crucial for ensuring you receive the fair compensation you are entitled to.

What is an Impairment Rating?

An impairment rating is a percentage assigned by a qualified physician that represents the degree of permanent damage an injury has caused to your body as a whole. This rating is given only after you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

MMI is a critical point in your recovery. It means your condition has stabilized, and further medical treatment is not expected to improve it. You have either fully recovered or your condition is as good as it is going to get with current medical knowledge.

Once you reach MMI, if your work injury has resulted in a permanent limitation, your doctor will evaluate you and assign a Permanent Impairment Rating (PIR). This rating is a key factor in calculating the amount of permanent impairment benefits you may receive.

How Doctors Determine Your Impairment Rating

In Florida, a licensed physician must determine your PIR. They don’t just pick a number; they are required to follow the 1996 Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Schedule. This guide provides a structured framework for evaluating various injuries and assigning a corresponding percentage based on the specific body part affected and the extent of the impairment.

For example, a minor loss of range of motion in a finger will receive a much lower rating than a severe spinal cord injury. The goal is to create a standardized system so that benefits are awarded consistently and fairly based on the severity of the permanent injury.

The Florida Impairment Rating Chart Explained

Florida’s workers’ compensation law uses the assigned impairment rating percentage to calculate how many weeks of benefits an injured worker is entitled to receive. The system is tiered, meaning the number of weeks awarded per percentage point increases as the rating gets higher.

Here is a breakdown based on Florida statutes:

This structure recognizes that more severe impairments have a greater impact on a person’s life and ability to work.

How to Calculate Your Permanent Impairment Benefits

Calculating your benefits involves a few steps. First, your permanent impairment benefit is paid at a rate of 75% of your temporary total disability (TTD) benefit. Your TTD rate is typically two-thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage before the injury.

Let’s walk through an example:

• Average Weekly Wage (pre-injury): $900
• TTD Benefit: $900 x 0.6667 = $600 per week
• Impairment Benefit Rate: $600 x 0.75 = $450 per week

Now, let’s say your doctor assigns you a 15% permanent impairment rating. Using the chart:

• The first 10 points are worth 2 weeks each (10 x 2 = 20 weeks).
• The next 5 points are worth 3 weeks each (5 x 3 = 15 weeks).
• Total weeks of benefits: 20 + 15 = 35 weeks.

To find your total impairment benefit amount, you multiply the number of weeks by your weekly impairment benefit rate:

• Total Benefit: 35 weeks x $450/week = $15,750.

You can also use the State of Florida’s Impairment Income Calculator for an estimate, but consulting with a lawyer is the best way to understand your specific situation.

What if You Return to Work?

Receiving a PIR does not automatically mean you can never work again. Many people with permanent impairments can return to their old job or find a new one, sometimes with modifications.

If you go back to work and earn a salary equal to or greater than your pre-injury average weekly wage, your impairment benefit payments are reduced by 50% for the weeks you are earning that income. The reduction only applies to the specific weeks you earn that amount, not for the entire duration of your benefits.

Who assigns my impairment rating?

Only a qualified and licensed physician can assign a permanent impairment rating. They must follow the state-approved guidelines to evaluate your condition after you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

Can I get a second opinion on my rating?

Yes. If you believe your impairment rating is too low or does not accurately reflect your condition, you have the right to get a second opinion from another qualified doctor. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you navigate this process, which is often called an Independent Medical Examination (IME).