Who has the right to invoke an evaluation of permanent disability?

The right to invoke an evaluation of permanent disability primarily resides with the injured worker. This is because the evaluation is fundamentally tied to the worker's rights and entitlements following a workplace injury. The process ensures that the worker receives appropriate recognition and compensation for any lasting effects of their injury, which is central to workers' compensation laws.

The injured worker is directly affected by the evaluation, as their condition and resulting disability will impact their ability to work and earn an income. Therefore, it is their right to initiate the formal evaluation process to determine the extent of their permanent disability, which is a critical step in the claim process.

While employers, claims administrators, and representatives of the worker may have roles in the claims process, the agency to request this evaluation lies with the worker themselves, reflecting the principle that injured parties should have control over aspects that directly concern their health and livelihood.