How is the severity of my injury determined in Workers' Compensation?
When you’re injured on the job, understanding how your injury's severity is evaluated can make a big difference in the benefits you receive—and ultimately, your peace of mind. In Florida's workers’ compensation system, this process involves reaching a medical plateau, assessment by a qualified medical professional, and application of the state’s impairment guidelines to determine the level of permanent impairment.
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
The first step in assessing injury severity is determining whether you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). At this point, your medical condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve significantly, even with further treatment. Once at MMI, the focus shifts from recovery to evaluating how much your injury has permanently affected you.
How Is the Impairment Rating Assigned?
After reaching MMI, a licensed medical professional—such as a medical, osteopathic, chiropractic, or podiatric doctor—assigns an impairment rating. This rating represents the percentage of permanent impairment to your body as a whole. Physicians follow the Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Guidelines when conducting this assessment.
The criteria used include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Effects of fractures or surgeries
- Functional limitations due to pain or sensory loss
- Presence of pre-existing conditions and how they contribute to the impairment
These detailed guidelines help ensure consistency and fairness in evaluating the severity of injuries across cases.
Why the Impairment Rating Matters
A non-zero impairment rating entitles you to Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). Florida calculates these benefits based on:
- A percentage of the Temporary Total Disability (TTD) rate, typically at 75%.
- The number of compensable weeks is sometimes two weeks per percentage point for ratings up to 10%, and three weeks per point for higher ratings.
Higher impairment ratings result in more long-term compensation, reflecting the greater impact of severe injuries on your life and ability to work.
Why It Matters for You in the Tampa Bay Area
Suppose you're navigating this process in Tampa Bay—whether in Tampa, Clearwater, New Port Richey, or Spring Hill—having experienced legal help matters. Rooth Law Firm has served injured workers across the Tampa Bay region since 1994, fighting to ensure they receive the benefits they’re entitled to under Florida law. With board-certified expertise in Florida workers’ compensation, we protect your rights during evaluation, help you contest under-assessments, and pursue fair impairment ratings and benefits.
Next Steps—Protect Your Rights and Benefits by Contacting our Tampa Bay Attorney Now
Securing the right impairment rating can significantly affect your long-term financial security. Don’t face this on your own. At Rooth Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations, and we don’t charge attorney fees unless we win for you—so you can focus on your recovery while we advocate for the full benefits you deserve. Contact us online today or visit to schedule your free appointment. Let us help you get the compensation and support you need to move forward with confidence.