What are impairment benefits (IB)?
Impairment benefits are paid to an injured worker based on the impairment rating provided by their treating physician(s). The impairment rating is simply a number, expressed as a percentage, which is assigned by treating physician. The rating is designed to approximate the functional loss of the body as a whole, which the injured worker has sustained as a result of their injury. The doctor gets the rating from a book called the Florida Uniform Impairment Rating Guide. The length of time an injured worker receives impairment benefits is derived from the impairment rating, and the amount is a function of the average weekly wage. The calculation of these benefits differs by date of accident. Impairment benefits are not a “settlement” payment.
