Impairment Rating Expert Comments on Injuries Suffered During Construction Accident

Case Overview

This case involves a construction worker who was seriously injured in a work-related fall. At the time of the incident in question, the worker was installing lighting fixtures while on top of a ladder. At some point, he lost his balance and fell, and he was discovered unconscious on the ground by a coworker. As a result of the fall, the man suffered serious brain injuries and is no longer able to work.

Questions to the Environmental expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your experience with impairment ratings.

I have been on the impairment rating panel in my state since 2013. I average 31 permanent partial disability (PPD) cases, plus 1 IME per year. I have reviewed a case of someone who fell from a loading dock and fractured his lower leg for a PPD evaluation. I have also evaluated a claimant who fell from a palm tree while working as a tree trimmer, sustaining spinal related impairments.

Do you have familiarity with the calculation of impairment ratings, and the ability to recognize an appropriate or inappropriate ratings based on a review of medical records, vocational reports, etc?

I am familiar with calculation of impairment ratings under the AMA Guides, 5th edition. I can recognize upon review of all records and reports, as well as examination with the patient on whether or not the impairment rating matches recommendations provided from the Guides.

About the expert

This highly experienced physician is board certified in Occupational Medicine, Aerospace Medicine, and Hyperbaric Medicine. Frequently performing independent medical examinations, he is certified in the evaluation of disability and in the assessment of impairment ratings. He is a member of the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the Society of US Air Force Flight Surgeons. In addition to his clinical duties as a staff physician at numerous hospitals, he has significant experience working for the military and insurance vendors.

E-055049

Specialties:

Environmental