Impairment Rating Expert Comments on Injuries Suffered During Construction Accident

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.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your experience with impairment ratings.

2. 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?

Expert Witness Response E-055049

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 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. 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 worker as a tree trimmer, sustaining spinal related impairments.