In this episode, Larry A. Lehmbecker from Lehmbecker Law in Bellevue, Washington breaks down how Washington State calculates permanent partial disability (PPD) awards under the L&I schedule, and why the exact wording in a medical report can mean tens of thousands of dollars.

Washington's L&I system assigns a precise dollar value to permanent impairment, from spine injury categories to fixed schedule awards for amputations and hearing loss. A 100% total bodily impairment currently caps at $264,332.13, while a single line in a doctor's notes can push a spine rating from roughly $13,000 to nearly $198,249.09. Larry walks through how these categories work, why documentation carries so much weight, and what injured workers need to understand before they file.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The baseline: How Washington sets the maximum PPD value and what it means for injured workers.
• Documentation: Why the specific wording in a medical report can determine which disability category applies.
• Fixed schedule awards: How amputations and hearing loss are paid under a non-negotiable rate, regardless of age or occupation.
• PPD vs. wage loss: Why these awards compensate for permanent impairment only, separate from time-loss benefits

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by listening to this segment. Please consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.