Are you wondering whether your permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits fully account for the impact a work injury has had on your body or your ability to do your job? If it feels like you’re not getting a fair payout for an occupational injury that left you permanently disabled, it’s worth taking a closer look.
At Jebaily Law Firm, our workers’ compensation attorneys can review your case and help you take action if you haven’t received the total benefits you are owed. Contact us now to begin your free initial consultation and get the answers you need.
What Does South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Consider a Permanent Partial Disability?
A permanent partial disability (PPD) is a lasting injury that partially limits your ability to work but does not completely prevent you from working. A PPD typically involves the loss or loss of use of a specific body part, like a hand, arm, leg, or eye. Some injuries to internal organs or other body systems also count as permanent partial disabilities. If an injury results in a loss that South Carolina law includes in its schedule of disabilities, you might qualify for PPD benefits.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits in South Carolina
If a work injury leaves you with a permanent partial disability, you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. PPD benefits come in the form of weekly payments. The amount you receive depends on two things: the average weekly wage you earned before the injury and the affected body part.
The law sets a certain number of weeks of payment for each type of injury. For example, the loss of a hand equals 185 weeks of benefits. If you have a disabling injury that isn’t on the schedule, the Commission might use a “whole person” rating instead. A whole person rating reflects how much the injury affects your entire body and your ability to work overall.
How Is a Permanent Partial Disability Determined Under SC Workers’ Compensation Law?
Before you can determine whether you have a permanent partial disability, a doctor must say that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). You reach MMI when your condition has healed as much as possible, and additional treatment will not improve it.
If your injury matches one listed in the state’s schedule at that point, you can receive payments based on that schedule. If not, you will be assigned a rating based on how much use you have lost in the injured body part, and that rating will be used to calculate your benefits.
Eligibility for PPD Benefits in South Carolina
Most employees in South Carolina are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including PPD benefits. However, some workers, such as agricultural employees or certain real estate agents, do not qualify. Independent contractors are also not usually covered by workers’ compensation.
If you meet basic eligibility requirements, you might qualify for PPD benefits if your injury happened at work and resulted in the permanent loss of use of a part of your body. If you meet the requirements and your injury qualifies, you could receive weekly payments based on your specific loss.
What Medical Conditions Qualify for PPD Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Many types of injuries can qualify for PPD benefits in South Carolina. Examples include the loss or reduced use of body parts like hands, arms, legs, feet, shoulders, and eyes. Hearing loss and back injuries also qualify in some cases.
The injury must cause lasting damage that affects how you move or function to be considered a permanent partial disability. The law also covers internal injuries and other medical conditions that affect more than one body part. A doctor must say that the injury won’t improve further for your partial disability to be considered permanent.
Common Challenges in Seeking Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
Many workers run into problems when they try to claim PPD benefits. For instance, some employers or insurance companies disagree with doctors’ ratings or try to argue that disabling injuries aren’t work-related. In other cases, they might insist that your injury does not affect your ability to work enough for you to qualify for benefits.
Some workers also struggle to get benefits if they miss reporting deadlines or have trouble getting the proper medical records or treatment. Additionally, if your injury affects more than one body part, your case will likely be more complex.
Our attorneys can help you avoid delays or reduced payments stemming from these issues by addressing them early in the process.
How Does South Carolina Determine Pay for Permanent Disabilities?
South Carolina calculates PPD pay based on two factors: your average weekly wage and the type of injury you sustain.
The law allows you to receive PPD payments for a certain number of weeks for injuries to specific body parts. For example, the loss of a leg equals 195 weeks of benefits. You receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage for each week you are entitled to benefits. As of 2025, there is a maximum weekly payment rate of $1,134.43.
If your injuries affect more than one body part or do not appear on the list, the Commission will use a “whole person” rating to determine how long you should receive benefits. However, you cannot receive more than 500 weeks of payment for any injury unless you are totally and permanently disabled.
How Our South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You
If your work injury caused a permanent partial disability, you may feel unsure about how to protect your right to the maximum benefits you deserve. The South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm can help you by:
- Reviewing your medical records for missing or inaccurate information
- Requesting a second medical opinion if your disability rating seems too low
- Preparing and filing your claim accurately and on time
- Responding to letters or denials from the insurance company
- Gathering evidence to show how your injury affects your ability to work
- Requesting a hearing if the insurance company disputes your claim
- Questioning medical experts at your hearing to support your case
- Calculating the value of your benefits based on your wage and injury
- Reviewing any settlement offers to make sure they are adequate and follow state law
Contact a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have questions about permanent partial disability benefits in South Carolina, Jebaily Law Firm is here to help. Contact us now to get started with your free initial consultation.
