What
is Worker's Compensation Benefits?
The three (3) most important benefits that an employee can expect
to receive as a result of a work related injury are as follows:
- Indemnity
Section 34 of the Workers' Compensation Act explains
that
"While the incapacity for work resulting from the injury is
total, the employer shall pay the injured employee a weekly
compensation equal to sixty percent (60%) of the difference
between his average weekly wage at the time of his injury
and
his gross weekly wages, earnings, or salary. In the event the
employee can either work part time or light duty, he would
be
entitled to receive compensation benefits equal to sixty percent
(60%) of the difference between his average weekly wage at
the
time of his injury and his gross weekly wages received while
either on light duty or part-time work."
- Medical Benefits
The Workers' Compensation Act states "An employee sustaining
a personal injury arising out of and in the course of his
employment
or is disabled by occupational disease, shall be entitled to
reasonable and proper medical, surgical, chiropractic and
hospital
services, nursing, medicines and mechanical surgical aides
as needed paid for by the employer. An injured employee shall
have
the right to make his/her own selection of a physician or surgeon
authorized to practice as such under the laws of the State." Such
costs may also include payment for mileage to and from a physician
or hospital treatment pertaining to that work
related
injury.
- Permanent Impairment
Permanent Impairment means any anatomic or functional
abnormality or loss existing after the date of maximum medical
improvement
which results from the injury. Permanent Impairment is computed
utilizing a percentage of disability as provided by the attending
physician.
This is an award over and above other compensation benefits
and is "not a settlement". Any questions regarding
Permanent Impairment should be directed to our service company CCMSI.
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