Disability & Impairment Ratings in Personal Injury Cases
Valuing permanent injuries and protecting your long-term future
Introduction
Understanding Disability & Impairment in New Hampshire Personal Injury Claims
When an accident causes lasting physical or cognitive damage, the impact often extends far beyond initial medical treatment. Disability and impairment ratings are used to measure the permanent effects of an injury — and they play a critical role in determining the value of a personal injury claim.
At Vanacore Law Office, we represent New Hampshire injury victims who have been left with permanent impairments due to another party’s negligence. Attorney John G. Vanacore brings decades of trial and negotiation experience to cases involving long-term disability, loss of function, and diminished earning capacity.
Contact UsDisability vs. Impairment: What’s the Difference?
Key Concepts Explained
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are legally distinct:
Impairment refers to permanent loss of bodily function, structure, or ability, as measured by medical professionals.
Disability refers to how that impairment affects a person’s ability to work, earn income, and carry out daily activities.
A person may have a significant impairment even if they can still work — and that impairment is still fully compensable in a personal injury claim.
Types of Injuries That Commonly Result in Permanent Impairment
Examples Seen in Personal Injury Cases
Permanent impairment frequently arises from:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord and back injuries
Amputations and loss of limb
Severe burns and disfigurement
Vision or hearing loss
Orthopedic injuries with limited range of motion
These injuries often carry lifelong physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
How Impairment Ratings Are Determined
Medical Evaluation & Expert Analysis
Impairment ratings are typically established through:
- Independent medical examinations (IMEs)
- Treating physician evaluations
- Use of standardized medical guidelines
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Neuropsychological testing for brain injuries
Insurance companies often rely on their own experts to minimize impairment. Vanacore Law works with trusted medical specialists to ensure ratings accurately reflect the true extent of injury.
How Disability & Impairment Affect Compensation
Damages Considered in Personal Injury Claims
In personal injury cases, impairment and disability may impact compensation for:
− Pain and suffering
− Loss of enjoyment of life
− Lost wages and future earning capacity
− Cost of future medical care and assistive devices
− Long-term rehabilitation and support services
Proper valuation is essential — once a case resolves, additional compensation is rarely available later.
Challenging Low or Unfair Impairment Assessments
When Insurance Companies Undervalue Your Injury
Insurers may attempt to:
- Downplay permanent limitations
- Attribute symptoms to aging or pre-existing conditions
- Rely on biased medical opinions
- Ignore vocational and lifestyle impacts
Vanacore Law aggressively challenges unfair impairment assessments through expert testimony, medical records, and detailed life-impact evidence.
Disability & Impairment Case Results
Real Results for Injured New Hampshire Clients
Vanacore Law has successfully represented injury victims in cases involving permanent disability and impairment, securing compensation that reflects long-term needs and diminished quality of life.
Learn more about our resultsHow Vanacore Law Can Help
Experienced Representation for Permanent Injury Claims
Disability and impairment cases require a careful balance of medical, legal, and financial analysis. Attorney John Vanacore understands how insurers evaluate these claims — and how to present compelling evidence that demands full compensation.
We assist clients with:
- Coordinating medical and vocational experts
- Evaluating lifetime financial impact
- Negotiating high-value settlements
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
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Get Help With a Disability or Impairment Personal Injury Claim
If you are living with permanent impairment due to an accident, do not let an insurance company decide what your future is worth. Early legal guidance can make a critical difference.
Call 603-228-1180 to speak with Vanacore Law Office about your disability or impairment personal injury claim.