Defining Workers’ Compensation Terminology
Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim can require plenty of paperwork. These forms mention terms that many applicants are unfamiliar with, which makes the process more complicated.
Some of the most confusing terms people may encounter during the workers’ compensation filing process include:
- Alternative work. Alternative work is a change in job duties offered to an injured employee. This new work must meet the employee’s current employment restrictions, pay at least 85 percent of pre-injury wages, last a minimum of 12 months, and located within a reasonable commuting distance.
- Indemnity benefits. These are benefits intended to compensate injured employees for a portion of their lost wages.
- Independent medical examination. The Office of Workers’ Compensation may appoint an independent medical examiner to review an injured worker’s case and provide a second opinion.
- Maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement is reached when an individual has either completely recovered from workplace injuries or when his or her condition is sufficiently stable to predict future medical needs accurately.
- Modified work. An employee performs modified work by returning to previous employment, but with an altered environment that accommodates injury-related employment restrictions.
- Temporary total disability benefits. This compensation equals two-thirds of a worker’s pre-injury average weekly wages. Benefits are paid weekly until maximum medical improvement is reached, or until the employee is determined to be permanently disabled.
- Permanent total disability benefits. When an employee’s injuries make a return to work impossible, he or she may continue receiving weekly payments at the temporary total disability rate for the duration of the disability.
Receiving Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured on the job, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical expenses and loss of income. You need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who is prepared to fight for you and ensure you receive proper benefits. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.