What Is My Workers’ Compensation Rating Worth? A Guide from Ramsay Law Firm

If you have been injured at work in North Carolina, you may have heard about impairment ratings. Many injured workers are unsure what these ratings mean and how they affect their workers’ compensation benefits.

At Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., we help injured workers understand how impairment ratings translate into actual compensation. 

What is a Workers’ Compensation Impairment Rating?

An impairment rating is a percentage a doctor assigns that reflects permanent loss of function in a specific body part.

This rating does not represent your entire disability. Instead, it only measures permanent impairment.

For example, a doctor may assign a percentage based on how much function you have lost after your injury and treatment.

Example of How Impairment Ratings Work

Imagine a construction worker who suffers a workplace injury. They injure their knee and ribs after a fall on a job site.

• The rib injury heals fully and receives a 0% impairment rating
• The knee injury requires surgery and results in a permanent impairment

In North Carolina, knee surgeries involving meniscus damage often result in impairment ratings ranging from 10% to 15%, depending on complications and recovery.

This rating becomes the starting point for calculating benefits.

How Impairment Ratings are Converted Into Benefits

In North Carolina workers’ compensation cases, each body part has a set number of “weeks” assigned to it under the law.

For example, the leg is assigned 200 weeks of compensation.

Here is how the calculation works:

• Take the impairment rating percentage
• Multiply it by the number of weeks assigned to the body part
• Multiply that number by the weekly compensation rate

Why You Should Not Rely Only on Impairment Ratings

One of the most important things injured workers need to understand is that impairment ratings alone do not determine a case’s full value.

If you have not returned to work earning the same wages as before your injury, your case may involve additional compensation beyond impairment ratings.

This is why relying only on a rating can be misleading.

Why the Average Weekly Wage Matters

Another critical factor in your case is your average weekly wage.

This amount is used to calculate your compensation rate. It should include:

• Base wages
• Overtime pay
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Any additional earnings before the injury

If your average weekly wage is calculated incorrectly, your compensation may be significantly lower than what you are entitled to receive.

Why Medical Ratings Can Be Challenged

In some cases, impairment ratings may not accurately reflect your true level of disability.

If you believe your rating is too low, you may:

• Request a second medical opinion
• Consult an independent medical specialist
• Review whether the rating follows proper medical guidelines

Challenging an unfair rating can sometimes increase your claim value.

Why Legal Guidance is Important in Workers’ Compensation Cases

Workers’ compensation laws in North Carolina can be complex. Small differences in ratings or wage calculations can lead to large differences in benefits.

An experienced attorney can help you:

• Review your impairment rating
• Verify your average weekly wage
• Ensure correct compensation calculation
• Protect your rights during the claims process

Final Thoughts on Workers’ Compensation Ratings From Ramsay Law Firm

Understanding your impairment rating is important, but it is only one part of your workers’ compensation claim. The final value of your case depends on multiple factors, including medical evidence, wage calculations, and how your injury affects your ability to work.

At Ramsay Law Firm, we help injured workers understand what their rating means and ensure their claim is evaluated fairly from start to finish.

If you have questions about your impairment rating or workers’ compensation benefits, get proper legal guidance before making decisions about your case.