Under what condition would a PPD award be paid in a lump sum?

A permanent partial disability (PPD) award can be paid in a lump sum under specific conditions related to the amount of the award as well as the worker's preferences. When a PPD award is less than $6,000, the system allows for a lump sum payment. This is designed to provide quicker access to funds for the injured worker, lowering administrative costs and streamlining the payment process.

Additionally, if a worker specifically requests a lump sum payment, that preference also plays a significant role. As such, even if the award amount exceeds $6,000 but the worker wishes to receive it in a lump sum, there might be additional considerations that can lead to a lump sum being approved.

This dual criteria—either the amount of the award being under a certain threshold or a worker's request—ensures that the process remains flexible and user-friendly for employees who may have immediate needs for their compensation.