Ep. 135 - Get the Highest Permanent Disability Rating Allowed by Law
Release Date: 12/02/2025
Ep. 135 - Get the Highest Permanent Disability Rating Allowed by Law
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode #135 learn how to maximize your Permanent Disability Rating and protect your benefits in California Workers’ Comp. Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassem break down one of the most confusing stages for injured workers: how the disability rating system really works, how percentages are calculated, and what factors can affect the money you receive. If you’ve ever felt lost with terms like MMI, Permanent & Stationary, WPI, AMA Guides, apportionment, or PD payments, this conversation gives you the clarity you need to confidently move forward and win your case. ...
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Ep. 134 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 3
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In Episode #134 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem keep the energy high as they jump into Part 3 of our Special Workers’ Compensation Webinar Series, and this one gets real. In this segment, Carmen and Bilal walk you through “Real Cases: Dodging a Bad QME,” sharing honest insights and real stories of injured workers who almost ended up with the wrong evaluator until the right guidance changed everything. Hosts explain, in a clear and supportive way, what really happens when you miss a deadline, choose the wrong doctor, or find yourself dealing with a...
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Ep. 133 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 2
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In Episode #133 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem dive into QME 101: The real timeline and the number one mistake that can kill your claim, the second part of our Special Workers’ Compensation Webinar Series. In this segment, Carmen and Bilal break down everything you need to know about the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), when they appear in your claim, and the crucial role they play in determining your case outcome. A QME’s report can make or break your claim, from establishing your medical condition and disability to influencing the benefits and future...
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Ep. 132 - QME Made Easy! Workers’ Comp Webinar Series Pt.1
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In Episode #132 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem kick off the 6th edition of our Special Workers’ Compensation Webinar Series. This first part focuses on the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), why it matters in your workers’ comp case and what to expect when going through the evaluation process. This special segment highlights the key role the QME plays in determining your medical condition, level of disability, and overall case outcome. What You’ll Learn: Why the QME process is one of...
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Ep. 131 - Think Before You Answer: The Truth About Insurance Calls
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode 131 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez sits down with Marco Valadez, a seasoned hearing representative at Pacific Workers, to uncover what really happens when an insurance adjuster calls after a work injury. Learn what to say, what not to say, and how to protect your workers’ comp claim from costly mistakes. What You Will Learn Handle insurance adjuster calls without risking your claim. Know the adjuster’s real role. Avoid the most common mistakes injured workers make. ...
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Ep. 130 - Why You Should Never Accept the First Workers’ Comp Offer
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode #130 of Work Comp Talk Podcast, hosts Carmen Ramirez and Attorney Bilal Kassem from Pacific Workers, explain why accepting the first workers’ compensation settlement offer can be a costly mistake. The hosts reveal how settlements are calculated, who controls the key information in your case, and why the initial offer is often far less than what you deserve. Carmen and Bilal provide practical strategies to evaluate offers carefully and protect your rights, ensuring you get the compensation you are entitled to. If you want to avoid leaving money on the table and...
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Ep. 129 - The Hidden Risks of Seasonal Jobs
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode #129, podcast host Carmen Ramirez is joined by attorney and visionary leader at Pacific Workers, Bilal Kassem, to discuss the complexities and challenges faced by seasonal workers, particularly during the holiday season. They explore the rights of seasonal employees, the importance of safety in fast-paced work environments, and the risks associated with seasonal employment. The conversation also delves into the hiring process, the potential for misclassification of workers, and the intricacies of workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits. The episode aims to arm...
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Ep. 128 - The DWC-1 Form Could Save Your Claim
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In Episode #128, host Carmen Ramirez is joined by special guest Yuvanna M. Diaz, a dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorney, who dives deep into the DWC-1 Form, the first and most important step in filing a workers’ compensation claim in California. Discover what this form means, when to file it, and how it protects your rights after a workplace injury. Whether you’re new to the workers’ comp process or looking to strengthen your understanding, this episode breaks down the key steps every employee should know. Learn from Yuvanna’s expert insights on how to avoid common...
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Ep. 127 - What Every Firefighter Needs to Know
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In this episode #127 of our podcast, Shane McKay, an Associate Attorney at Pacific Workers’ Compensation, joins our host Carmen Ramirez to discuss the unique rights and benefits available to firefighters under California's workers' compensation system. The conversation highlights presumptive conditions, the importance of timely injury reporting, and how workers’ compensation interacts with retirement benefits. Shane emphasizes the value of proper documentation and medical evaluations, while also outlining the potential tax implications of disability benefits. He shares practical tips and...
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Ep. 126 - The Truth About AMEs and QMEs in Workers’ Comp
Work Comp Talk Podcast
We’re bringing back a highly requested topic in Episode #126 of Work Comp Talk: Agreed Medical Evaluators (AMEs) and Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs). This special edition takes a fresh look at why AMEs and QMEs are so important in the workers’ comp process and why our audience continues to ask about them, because understanding when to use each is crucial, as their evaluations can determine the benefits, treatments, and even the outcome of a case. We break down: What AMEs and QMEs are The key differences between them Why they’re essential...
info_outlineIn episode #135 learn how to maximize your Permanent Disability Rating and protect your benefits in California Workers’ Comp. Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassem break down one of the most confusing stages for injured workers: how the disability rating system really works, how percentages are calculated, and what factors can affect the money you receive.
If you’ve ever felt lost with terms like MMI, Permanent & Stationary, WPI, AMA Guides, apportionment, or PD payments, this conversation gives you the clarity you need to confidently move forward and win your case.
You’ll learn:
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What it really means to reach MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement)
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How doctors calculate Whole Person Impairment (WPI)
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How age, occupation, functional loss, and surgery outcomes affect your rating
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How pre-existing conditions and apportionment can change your percentage
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The deadlines, payment rules, and when PD checks must start
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Why choosing the right doctor matters, and how ratings can vary drastically
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How legal strategies can help increase your rating and prevent lowball offers
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Your rights to backpay, advances, and accurate calculations
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Permanent Disability Ratings
02:14 The Components of Disability Ratings
05:36 Addressing Pre-existing Conditions
08:44 Deadlines and Payment Processes
11:09 Timeline for Receiving Ratings
12:18 The Role of Doctors in Ratings
14:08 Challenges in Permanent Disability Ratings
This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers’ compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you’ve suffered a workplace injury.
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