[hardhat]

My question involves workers compensation law for the state of: Colorado I am a long time construction worker. Over the years of continual use of my hands--they need repair. I already went through arbitration & the case was determined that the problems with my hands are work related. In the near future I will be seeing a hand specialist & eventually will need an operation in both hands to solve the problem.

Since this is considered partial permanent disability--I am a little concerned that I may not be able to return to my licensed profession. If my hands do not heal properly & or it is determined that I cannot return to what I have done for the past decades, what happens next?

What does disability rating percentage mean?

[Mr. Knowitall]

Your rating relates to the extent of your disability. The lower the percentage, the less significant the disability.

If you can't return to work you can explore whatever retraining benefits you're entitled to receive, and can collect partial disability benefits until you find other gainful employment or until your benefits max out.

[Mad Bomber]

Your rating relates to the extent of your disability. The lower the percentage, the less significant the disability.

If you can't return to work you can explore whatever retraining benefits you're entitled to receive, and can collect partial disability benefits until you find other gainful employment or until your benefits max out.

How do you know when your benifits max out?

[poppycat]

usually it is IR impairment rating & based on your IR you get "disabilty"

you can read http://www.environmentaldiseases.com...s-compensation

there is a very good article by Nachman Bratbar,M.D.

Hand IR is the #2 cause for Disabilty , #1 is low back IR

I wish you great results on your surgery