Glossary of Workers' Compensation Law Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Party: Generally includes anyone who has an interest in your claim (i.e. the insurance company, your employer, attorney, etc.) 

Permanent and stationary (P&S): Your medical condition has reached maximum medical improvement. Once you are P&S, a doctor can assess how much, if any, permanent disability resulted from your work injury.

Permanent disability: Any lasting disability that results in a reduced earning capacity after maximum medical improvement is reached.

Permanent disability rating: A percentage that estimates how much a job injury permanently limits the kinds of work you can do. It is based on your medical condition, date of injury, age when injured, occupation when injured, how much of the disability is caused by your job, and your diminished future earning capacity. It determines the number of weeks you are entitled to permanent disability benefits.

Permanent disability benefits: Payments you receive when your work injury permanently limits the kinds of work you can do or your ability to earn a living.

Permanent disability advance: A voluntary lump sum payment of permanent disability you are entitled to in the future. 

Permanent disability payments: A mandatory bi-weekly payment based on the portion of permanent disability received before and/or after an award is issued.

Permanent partial disability benefits: Payments you receive when your work injury partially limits the kinds of work you can do or your ability to earn a living.

Permanent total disability benefits: Payments you receive when you are considered permanently unable to earn a living.

Penalty: An amount of money you receive because something wasn't done correctly in your claim. 

Petition for reconsideration: A legal process to appeal a decision issued by a judge. 

Pre-designated physician: A physician that can treat your work injury if you advised your employer in writing, before the injury occurred. You can pre-designate your personal doctor or a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.).