Permanent Loss of Function, Scarring, & Disfigurment Benefits

Many injuries have a permanent aspect to them. Whether it’s a knee injury that never gets back to 100%, a scar, or even the loss of a limb, permanency comes in my varieties. In Massachusetts, Workers Compensation benefits function by awarding money to workers who have lost an eye or foot or finger or other body part. These are commonly referred to as Section 36 benefits.

With many Workers Compensation settlements, a small amount is usually included for these permanent injuries. However, many Workers Compensation attorneys do the insurance company a favor by agreeing after the fact to this. While this may be fine for a worker who is unlikely to have permanent limitations, an experienced Workers Compensation lawyer will anticipate the likelihood of permanent injuries and get extra money from the insurance company as compensation.

In Massachusetts, there is a detailed schedule calculating the dollar amount that insurers must pay to injured workers who have suffered a physical loss and permanent impairment. The calculations are based upon the State Average Weekly Wage [SAWW] at the time of the loss, not the injured worker’s wage. The payment is small consolation for the permanent loss; but it is something. A finger amputation may be $5,000.00. Totally inadequate for a guitar-player who can never play again. This is one of the compromises under the workers compensation laws, which does not allow for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.

There are detailed calculations covered under chapter 152, section 36 of MA General Laws. It involves partial and permanent loss of eyesight to one or both eyes. It covers partial and total loss of hearing. This section of the law also covers the amputation or loss of arms and legs – and more usually a permanent percentage loss of function to an arm, leg, neck, shoulder or back. Fingers, hands and elbows are considered part of the major or minor arm for calculation purposes. Toe, foot and knee are considered part of the major or minor leg.

The law provides more money compensation the more serious the loss. If eyeglasses reduce the permanent eye injury, the award payment will be less. If a person injured both knees or feet, the award will be more, as the impairment is greater.

A bodily disfigurement suffered by an injured worker is also compensable. You can get paid for scars on the face, necks and hands, but not any other part of the body. Scarring is paid based upon the length and width and discoloration of each scar. Top payment for disfigurement is $15,000.00 according to the statute.

An attorney will identify injuries that will be permanent and prepare for a claim to be made. This includes making sure that the injuries are being treated appropriately and anticipating when the injured worker will reach a medical end result. The attorney will then make sure that the worker is evaluated specifically to ascertain the level of permanency. Finally, the attorney will present the medical documentation to the insurance company for review.

Impairments are usually determined according to American Medical Association guidelines. This means that a doctor, usually a specialist, must examine you before a payment amount can be determined. Total loss of one eye is the SAWW [$1561.00] x 39 weeks, which is $60,879. A partial loss would be less based upon the doctor's examination. Loss of both eyes is 96 weeks, which is $149,856.00. In a civil suit outside the workers compensation statute, such a loss would pay the injured person into the millions of dollars. We, at Marcotte Law Firm, have obtained million dollar settlements for such losses.

Total loss of hearing in both ears is 77 weeks. Amputation of a major arm is 43 weeks; a minor arm is 39 weeks. Both arms is 96 weeks. Loss of an elbow is 65% of the arm and a total loss of function to the shoulder is 60% of the arm. Total loss of a major hand is 34 weeks [34 x $1561.00] or $53,074.00. Loss of a minor hand is 29 weeks. Loss of both hands is 77 weeks.

The schedule of losses is very detailed, down to the fingers and toes. Fingers are 40% of the hand. The first phalange of the thumb is 75% of the hand. The large toe is 18% of the foot. Other toes are each 5% of the foot. Total loss of the foot is 29 weeks [29 x $1561.00] or $45,269.00. Loss of both feet is 68 weeks.

Brain injury is a percentage of 32 weeks. Lung and kidney are each a percentage of 16 weeks. Loss of spleen and sexual function are each a maximum of 10 weeks. You would get a week for the loss of each tooth. Your right to medical/dental care would cover dental care and replacement.

Severe back injury, including failed surgeries, result in a percentage of permanent impairment. An orthopedic specialist would determine the percentage loss of function to each portion of the spine. This is often contested by the insurance company. Need for permanent use of a cane or wheelchair is calculated in the loss of function part of the schedule.

While these awards may seem formulaic, every injury is different. That’s why a good Workers Compensation lawyer is needed to ensure that your injury is properly documented. A good Workers Compensation lawyer for the injured employee is often able to persuade a judge to accept the calculations of the treating employee's doctor.

At Marcotte Law Firm, our Lowell Workers Compensation lawyers have decades of experience representing injured workers. We know how to make sure that you get all the benefits you deserve, including Section 36 benefits. Our lawyers don’t leave anything on the table.

If you have a permanent injury from a work injury, call the experienced lawyers at Marcotte Law Firm for a free consultation.