1. What is workers' compensation and what are you entitled to? Workers' compensation is a set of laws that entitles you to: - Medical evaluation, care, and treatment of your own choice;
- Medical diagnostic and prescriptions;
- Medical mileage reimbursement;
- Temporary total disability income;
- Compensation for permanent disfigurement and scarring;
- Supplemental income after you have obtained maximum medical improvement by your treating physician provided that you are injured while in the course and scope of your employment, and that it was arising out of the employment.
(Note: All medical-related bills are paid for by the employer!)
2. What are you not entitled to? Workers' compensation does NOT pay you for your
pain and suffering!
3. Do you have to submit to an employer's medical examination? Yes, but not treatment!
4. How much will my weekly compensation checks be? Your TTD weekly checks are based upon your average weekly wages for the four weeks prior to your accident, less attorney fees and expenses (see attorney fees). If there is a dispute, please provide us with your pay stubs.
5. When can I go back to work? Once your treating doctor releases you upon your reaching maximum medical improvement, or your doctor releases you to restricted duty.
6. Can my employer fill my position at work while I am injured? Yes! The law does not require your employer to hold a job open for you when you are unable to perform the duties of your job.
7. Can I settle my case? Yes! You may enter into a lump-sum settlement with certain insurance carriers upon the advice of your attorney.
8. Can I receive unemployment or Social Security benefits while on workers' compensation? Each case is different, so speak to your attorney before filing.
9. How much are attorneys fees? Attorneys fees are based upon the state statutes: twenty percent up to $20,000, then ten percent of the remaining balance of whatever your attorney has instituted for you. It includes weekly TTD checks and medical benefits.
10. How often do I contact my attorney? - Keep your attorney or his secretary apprised of any major medical changes,and always keep your medical appointments.
- Keep a medical mileage diary. This is a road map of your case. Submit the sheet to your attorney's secretary on the first of each month.
- Submit any and all medical bills, reports, or any correspondence from anyone to your attorney's secretary.
- Contact your attorney if you believe that you are being investigated, i.e., being followed, photographed, or videotaped, or if your telephones are being tampered with by anyone.
- Leave a message with your attorney's secretary if your attorney is not available!
11. DO NOT CONTACT THE COURTS [Top]
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