Demystifying Whole Person Impairment: Insights from Thomas F. Martin, PLC

When it comes to assessing the impact of injuries or illnesses on individuals, the concept of whole person impairment holds significant importance. Whole person impairment refers to the comprehensive medical evaluation of an individual’s overall physical and internal conditions, and considering how these impairments  impairments resulting from a workplace injury or illness. In some cases, there may be emotional and psychological impacts of injury as well. In this article, we will briefly explore the intricacies of whole person impairment, drawing insights from the 30+ years experience of Thomas F. Martin, PLC, a renowned law firm limiting his practicing to workers’ compensation and disability cases. Simply put, Whole Person Impairment is any function of the body that is compromises due to a work injury or condition.

What is Whole Person Impairment?

Simply put, Whole Person Impairment is any function of the body that is compromises due to a work injury or condition.

Understanding the concept of whole person impairment requires recognizing and documenting ALL of the impacts of a work injury or condition. This requires medical expertise of specialist that are qualified the various aspects and impacts of a work injury and how the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are affected. Thomas F. Martin, PLC, is skilled in documenting ADL limitations.

Evaluating the Overall Impact:

Whole Person Impairment (WPI) is expressed in percentages that take into account the permanent effect of an injury. In cases where there are multiple sites of injury, all impairments must be considered, including the effect the injuries have on each other. The goal is to accurately document the overall physical and internal limitations experienced by the worker after an injury.

By considering the combined impact of impairments, including physical, psychological, and cognitive limitations, whole person impairment provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s overall functional capacity and work limitations.

Medical Assessments and Impairment Ratings:

Medical assessments and impairment ratings play a vital role in determining whole person impairment. Qualified medical professionals evaluate the various impairments resulting from the workplace injury or illness. They consider factors such as physical restrictions, pain levels, loss of sensory function, cognitive impairments, and psychological conditions.

Based on these assessments, impairment ratings are assigned to each impairment, reflecting the degree of functional loss. Thomas F. Martin, PLC, assures these ratings are based on recognized guidelines and standards, such as the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5^th Edition).

Legal Considerations and Compensation:

Whole person impairment is the foundation of the final ratings in a California workers compensation case and serves as a crucial factor in determining the accurate percentage of compensation an individual is entitled to receive.

Thomas F. Martin, PLC, emphasizes that legal professionals experienced in workers’ compensation law utilize whole person impairment evaluations to advocate for accurate compensation for their clients. They navigate the legal framework and utilize their expertise to ensure that all impairments and their permanent impact of the work injury are considered when determining the appropriate level of compensation.

Conclusion:

Whole person impairment is a comprehensive evaluation of the overall physical and internal  limitations experienced by an individual as a result of a workplace injury or illness. Understanding the concept is crucial for individuals seeking fair compensation and proper recognition of the cumulative impact of their impairments.

By relying on the expertise of professionals like those at Thomas F. Martin, PLC, individuals can navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and disability cases. Legal professionals knowledgeable in workers’ compensation law leverage whole person impairment evaluations to ensure fair assessments and appropriate compensation for their clients.

Whole person impairment evaluations provide a holistic view of an individual’s functional capacity, considering the combined effect of impairments. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the complex nature of injuries and illnesses and seeks to provide individuals with the support and compensation they deserve as they cope with the challenges of their impairments. Click here for a free consultation.