Useful Sites & Resources

[kimmydawn]

This thread is here for all to add useful sites and/or resources which have helped them and that they want to share. :)

KD

[Jo*mar]

Disability Issues
(handling disability issues at work) www.cicoach.com
(invisible disabilities site) www.myida.org
(From patient to patient: a survival guide) www.geocities.com/bhchcactus/patient.htm
national list of disability resource centers
(usa) www.virtualcil.net/cils
(Canada) www.cailc.ca/CAILC/text/home_e.html

Worker's Compensation, Social Security, Long Term Disability
(book that explains the calif. work comp law) http://www.nolo.com/product.cfm/Obje...364F65F6C/104/
(Lots of article on work comp) www.workinjury.com
(includes summary of changes in new california law) socrates.berkeley.edu/~lohp/Projects/Workers__Compensation/workers__compensation.html
(calif. lawyer's QME advice)
www.boxerlaw.com/bg04011b.htm
(calif. lawyer's depositon advice) www.boxerlaw.com/bg04006.htm

(cynical advice on IME's) www.workerscompensation.crystalgravity.com/states/IME.htm
(calif. voters injured at work)
www.viaw.org
(calif. attorneys for injuried workers)
www.caaa.org
(patient advocate for insurance, medicare, SSA appeals, etc) www.patientadvocate.org
(links about filing and getting social security) www2.rpa.net/~lrandall/disabled.html
(several articles on legal info. related to LTD insurance) www.silverandtaube.com
(LTD)
http://www.nctrial.com/pdf/Nuts_and_...ity_Claims.pdf

a listing of some googled links- there's more out there-

http://www.mywcinfo.com/
http://www.injuredworker.org/
http://www.injuredworkers4change.org/
http://www.workerscompensationinsurance.com/

[Jo*mar]

a Googled listing of "workers comp info" - first page of results - more at this link-
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&as_qdr=all&q=workers+comp+info+&btnG=Search


Workers Comp Info
Get Info on Workers Comp
from 14 Search Engines in 1
www.info.com/WorkersComp

Workers Comp Laws
www.Legal-Definitions.com
Free information on workers comp. Easy to find. Easy to understand.

Workers Compensation - Workmans Comp Service Center
The National website providing workers compensation information, news, facts, ... Use the research center, locate an insurance provider, get info on your ...
www.workerscompensation.com/ - 32k - Cached - Similar pages

California - www.workerscompensation.com/california.php
Florida - www.workerscompensation.com/florida.php
Texas - www.workerscompensation.com/texas.php
New York - www.workerscompensation.com/new_york/
More results from www.workerscompensation.com »

All 50 States' and D.C.'s Home Pages and Workers' Compensation ...
Raleigh, NC 27020-0571 (919) 733-4151 E-mail: info@mail.commerce.state.nc.us ... Workers' Comp Claims—http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Claims/default.asp ...
www.comp.state.nc.us/ncic/pages/all50.htm - 102k - Cached - Similar pages
State of California Division of Workers' Compensation
The Division of Workers' Compensation monitors the administration of workers' compensation claims, and provides administrative and judicial services to ...
www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/dwc_home_page.htm - 25k - Cached - Similar pages

U.S. Department of Labor - Find It By Topic - Workers Compensation
The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers four major disability compensation programs which provide wage ...
www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workcomp/index.htm - 30k - Cached - Similar pages

Office of Workers' Compensation Programs - Home Page
Safety, Health And Return-to-Employment (SHARE) Initiative · State Workers' Compensation Laws Revised August 15, 2006; OWCP Press Releases ...
www.dol.gov/esa/owcp_org.htm - 30k - Jan 7, 2007 - Cached - Similar pages

Workers Comp Info from Gannett: Cornell University Health Services
Workers' comp information. For general information, contact Cornell's Office of Human Resources, Benefit Services: 255-3708. For specific information about ...
www.gannett.cornell.edu/accesstocare/fees-insurance/fees/workerscomp.html - 14k - Cached - Similar pages

Workers compensation - Wex
State Workers Compensation statutes establish this framework for most employment. ... The Federal Employment Compensation Act provides workers compensation ...
www.law.cornell.edu/topics/workers_compensation.html - 22k - Cached - Similar pages

Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation
Provides information to enable injured workers, employers, insurance carriers and self-insured employers to comply with the statutory requirements of the ...
www.coworkforce.com/dwc/ - 21k - Jan 7, 2007 - Cached - Similar pages

Is Workers' Comp Fair? Research Finds No Link Between Cash ...
Is Workers' Comp Fair? Research Finds No Link Between Cash Settlements, Future Impairment. Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics News ...
www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=59494&nfid=crss - 42k - Cached - Similar pages

Workers Comp Information for Texas Businesses
Workers Comp Information for Texas Businesses. ... Texas Department of Insurance. Division of Workers' Comp Logo Division of Workers' Comp Home ...
www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/wc.html - 28k - Cached - Similar pages

[Curious]

here is a link to a message board for free legal advice:

http://forum.freeadvice.com/

be sure to do a search before asking a question. most times you can find the answer. they tend to get a bit huffy if the question has recently been answered. :rolleyes:

i have used this site a bunch.

[Jo*mar]

copied from my forum thread post.

Worker's Compensation Resource Guide and adaptive tech.
Explore the whole site - i just posted a few of the links.

http://www.synapseadaptive.com/Links/workers_comp.htm

and adaptive technology-
[Welcome to Synapse! We provide integrated turn-key access solutions that empower individuals with disabilities. Helping employers meet their accommodation requirements in the workplace, the Synapse TAP Workstation is the only solution that offers speech recognition on any computer including UNIX, mainframe, Mac and PC platforms. Synapse ADA Workstations provide universal access to users regardless of their disability. We design and engineer solutions for business, government, special needs labs, rehabilitation facilities and libraries. Synapse solutions generally include on-site end-user training, or comprehensive assistive technology training for your staff.]

http://www.synapseadaptive.com/tableof.htm

Disability job link-
http://www.synapseadaptive.com/disab...y_job_bank.htm

[Jo*mar]

W/C terms -
https://www.guideone.com/SafetyResources/Churches/wcglossary.htm

Workers' Compensation Glossary

Workers' compensation is the oldest social insurance program. It was adopted in most states, including California, during the second decade of this century. California has a no-fault system, meaning that injured employees need not prove the injury was someone else's fault in order to receive workers' compensation benefits for an on-the-job injury.

Use this glossary of terms to better under workers' compensation.

- A -

accepted claim/admitted claim. A workers’ compensation claim in which the claims administrator agrees that the worker’s injury or illness is covered by workers’ compensation. Even if a claim is accepted, however, there may be delays or other problems.

Agreed Medical Evaluation (AME). A doctor who is selected by agreement between the injured workers’ attorney and the claims administrator to conduct a medical examination and prepare a medical-legal report to help resolve a dispute.

alternative work. If the treating physician reports that the injured worker will probably never be able to return to the usual and customary occupation that was held at the time of the injury, the employer has the option of offering an alternative position. The new position must be at least 12 months in duration and must pay at least 85 percent of the wages and benefits that were being paid at that the time of injury. It also must be within a reasonable commuting distance of where the injured worker lived at the time of the injury.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. If you believe you've been discriminated against at work because you're disabled and want information on your rights under the ADA, contact a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office. For the EEOC office in your area, call (800) 669-4000 or (800) 669-6820 (TTY). For additional information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Web site.

AOE/COE - Arising Out of Employment, and in the Course Of Employment or caused by a worker’s job and occurring while working. An injury or illness must be AOE/COE to be covered by workers’ compensation.

appeals board. A group of seven commissioners who review and reconsider decisions of workers’ compensation administrative law judges. Also called the Reconsideration Unit. For additional information, visit the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Web site.

applicant/associate/employee (EE). The injured worker.

applicants’ attorney (A/A). A lawyer who represents injured workers in their workers’ compensation cases.

application for adjudication of claim (application or app) : A form (PDF) you file to open a case at the local Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) office if you have a disagreement with the insurance company about your claim.

audit unit: A unit within the DWC that receives complaints against claims administrators. These complaints may lead to investigations of the way the company handles claims. Visit the California Department of Workers' Compensation Audit and Enforcement Unit Web page for additional information and forms.

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- B -

Benefits Increases table (PDF: 73K).

benefit structure. The benefit structure defines what injured workers are entitled to receive when they sustain an injury "arising out of and in the course of" (AOE/COE) their employment. There are five basic types of workers' compensation benefits available, depending on the nature and severity of the worker's injury:

1. medical care,
2. temporary disability benefits,
3. permanent disability benefits,
4. vocational rehabilitation services, and
5. death benefits.

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- C -

Cal/OSHA. A unit within the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Cal/OSHA inspects workplaces and enforces laws to protect the health and safety of workers in California. Visit the California Department of Safety and Health Web site for additional information.

California Labor Code section 132a. A workers’ compensation law that prohibits discrimination against you because you filed a Workers' Compensation claim, and against co-workers who might testify in your case.

challenge. Disagree with, object to, or place in dispute

claim form (DWC-1). A form (PDF) used to report a work injury or illness to your employer.

claim adjuster/claim administrator/claim examiner. A person who handles workers' compensation claims for employers. Some claims administrators work directly for large employers that handle their own claims.

Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC): A state-appointed body that conducts studies and makes recommendations to improve the California workers' compensation and workplace health and safety systems. For additional information, visit the California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation Web site.

Compromise and Release (C&R). A type of settlement where the workers receive a lump sum payment, which includes the permanent disability amount and the estimate future medical care costs.

Cumulative Trauma (CT) injury. An injury that was caused by repeated events or repeated exposures at work. Examples: hurting your wrist from doing the same motion over and over or losing your hearing because of constant loud noise.

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- D -

Date of Injury (DOI). If the injury was caused by one event (a specific injury), this is the date of the event. If the injury was caused by repeated exposures (a cumulative injury), this is the date that the worker knew of should have known that the injury was caused by work.

death benefits. Money paid to qualified surviving dependents of a worker who dies from a work-related illness or injury. These benefits are paid usually at the same weekly rate as the maximum TD benefits in effect at the time of injury/illness. The maximum benefits will vary depending on the number of total and/or partial dependents.

Declaration of Readiness (DOR or DR). A form (PDF) used to request a hearing before a workers' compensation judge when you're ready to resolve a dispute.

defense attorney (DA). The employer or the employer's insurance carrier’s legal representative.

delay letter. A letter sent by the claims administrator to the injured worker that explains why payments are delayed, what information is needed before payments will be sent, and when a decision will be made about the payments.

denied claim. A workers’ compensation claim in which the claims administrator believes that the worker’s injury or illness is not covered by workers’ compensation and has notified the worker of this decision.

Description of Employee’s Job Duties Form RU-91. A form (PDF) filled out jointly by you and the insurance company that helps your treating physician decide whether you will be able to return to your normal job and working conditions.

Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU). A service provided by the state whereby the final medical reports of the Primary Treating Physician or Qualified Medical Examiner are evaluated to provide a summary rating of the permanent disability.

disability rater. An employee of the state Division of Workers’ Compensation who rates an injured worker’s permanent disability after reviewing medical reports or medical-legal reports that describe the worker’s condition.

disability rating. See permanent disability rating.

dispute. A disagreement about the worker’s entitlement to payments, services, or other rights and benefits.

Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). A division within the state Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The DWC administers workers' compensation laws, resolves disputes over workers' compensation benefits and provides information and assistance to injured workers and others about the workers' compensation system. For more information, visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Web site.

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- E -

Employee Claim Form For Workers’ Compensation Benefits (California). A form to report a work injury or illness to your employer.

Employer’s Report of Occupational Injury or Illness Form (CA Form 5020). A form the employer completes to report a work injury to their carrier.

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- F-

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): A state law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. If you believe you've been discriminated against at work because you're disabled and want more information on your rights under the FEHA, contact the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing at (800) 884-1684. In some cases, the FEHA provides more protection than the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Visit the California Fair Employment and Housing Web site.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): A federal law that provides certain employees with serious health problems or who need to care for a child or other family member with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It also requires that group health benefits be maintained during the leave. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Labor at (866)4-USA-DOL. For additional information visit the U.S. Department of Labor Leaves Benefits Web site.

field nurse case managers. A nurse assigned to the case, by the insurance company, to attend medical evaluations with the injured worker.

Findings and Award (F&A). A written decision by a workers’ compensation administrative law judge about an injured worker’s case, including payments and future medical care that must be provided to the worker.

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- H-

Health Care Organization (HCO). An organization certified by the Department of Industrial Relations to provide managed medical care within the workers' compensation system. Visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Managed Care Program - HOCs Web site for additional information.

hearing. A legal proceeding or event where a workers’ compensation administrative law judge holds a meeting to discuss issues or receives information from different persons in order to make a decision about a dispute or a proposed settlement.

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- I-

Independent contractor: There is no set definition of this term. Labor law enforcement agencies and the courts look at several factors when deciding if someone is an employee or an independent contractor. Some employers misclassify employees as an independent contractor to avoid workers' compensation and other payroll responsibilities. Just because an employer says you are an independent contractor and doesn't need to cover you under a workers' compensation policy doesn't make it true. A true independent contractor has control over how their work is done. You probably are not an independent contractor when the person paying you:

* Controls the details or manner of your work
* Has the right to terminate you
* Pays you an hourly wage or salary
* Makes deductions for unemployment or Social Security
* Supplies materials or tools
* Requires you to work specific days or hours

Visit the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement Web site for additional information.

Independent Medical Evaluator (IME). A physician selected by the judge (in California) or by the adjuster (in Arizona) to determine the cause of the medical condition, the permanent impairment of the injury, and/or the permanent limitations, if any, that the worker has sustained.

Industrial Medical Council (IMC): No longer in existence. See California Division of Workers' Compensation Medical Unit.

Information & Assistance (I&A) Officer. An employee of the state Division of Workers’ Compensation who answers questions, assists injured workers, provides written materials, conducts informational workshops, and holds meetings to informally resolve problems with claims. Most of their services are designed to help workers who do not have an attorney.

Information & Assistance Unit (I&A): A unit within DWC that provides information to all parties in workers' compensation claims and informally resolves disputes. For additional information visit the California Department Division of Workers' Compensation Information and Assistance Web site.

Injury and illness prevention program (IIPP): A health and safety program employers are required to develop and implement. This program is enforced by Cal/OSHA. For additional information see the Guide to Developing Your Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Program provided by California Department of Industrial Relations.

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- M -

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) report. A medical report written by a treating physician that describes the injured worker’s medical condition when it has stabilized.

medical care. All medical treatment necessary to cure or relieve the effects of a work-related injury or illness will be paid either by the employer or the insurance company providing coverage. This includes physician services, hospitalization, physical restoration, dental care, prescriptions, X-rays, laboratory services, and all other necessary/reasonable care ordered by the treating doctor(s). Injured workers are entitled to receive all medical care reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of the injury, with no deductible or co-payments by the injured worker

medical-legal report. A report written by a doctor that describes an injured worker’s medical condition. These reports are written to help clarify disputed medical issues.

Medical provider network (MPN): An entity or group of health care providers set up by an insurer or self-insured employer and approved by DWC's administrative director to treat workers injured on the job. For a list of providers visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Medical Providers Networks Web site.

medical treatment. A workers’ compensation benefit, offered to the injured worker, that is "reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the injury."

modified job (mod work). If the treating physician reports that the injured worker will never be able to return to the same job duties that they had at the time they were injured, the employer is permitted to offer the injured worker a modified job instead of vocational rehabilitation benefits; that is the current job at the time of the injury with changes that meet the doctor’s work restrictions. It must last at least 12 months and pay the same wages and benefits as the job at the time of the injury.

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- O -

objective factors. Measurements, direct observations, and test results that a treating physician, a QME, or an AME describes as contributing to an injured worker’s permanent disability.

Offer of Modified or Alternative Work Form RU-94. A form (PDF) you get from the insurance company if: you were injured before 2004 and; your treating physician says you probably will never return to your job or one like it and; your employer is offering modified or alternative work instead of vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Offer of modified or alternative work (DWC form #AD 10133.53): A form (PDF) you get from the insurance company if: you were injured in 2004 or later and; your treating physician reports you have a permanent disability and; your employer is offering modified or alternative work instead of a supplemental job displacement benefit. This form also explains how your permanent disability payments may be lowered by 15 percent because your employer is returning you to work.

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- P -

penalty. A fine charged to an employer or claims administrator and paid to the injured worker. It can refer to an automatic 10 percent penalty for a delay in one payment, or a substantial penalty for unreasonable delays in one or more payments.

permanent alternate position. If the treating physician reports that the injured worker will never be able to return to the same job duties that they had at the time they were injured, the employer is permitted to offer the injured worker an alternate position job instead of vocational rehabilitation benefits. The new position must last at least 12 months, and pay at least 85 percent of the wages that the injured worker was making at the time of the injury.

Permanent and Stationary (P&S) report. A medical report written by a treating physician that describes the injured worker’s medical condition when it has stabilized.

Permanent Disability (PD) benefits. Money paid if an injury or illness results in a permanent impairment that reduces the injured workers ability to compete in the open labor market. The amount the employee will receive depends on the extent of the disability. Other factors that are considered when calculating PD include the date of the injury, the age when injured, and occupation. PD benefit amounts are set by law. PD benefits are paid every two weeks until the benefit is completely paid or when the employee settles the case and receives a lump sum. (Also see the Benefits Increases table (PDF).)

Permanent disability rating schedule (PDRS): A DWC publication (PDF) containing detailed information used to rate permanent disabilities. One of three schedules will be used to rate your disability, depending on when you were injured.

permanent modified position. If the treating physician reports that the injured workers will never be able to return to the same job duties that they had at the time they were injured, the employer is permitted to offer the injured workers a modified job instead of vocational rehabilitation benefits. The modified job is the current job at the time of the injury with changes that meet the doctor’s work restrictions. the midfield job must last at least 12 months and pay the same wages and benefits as the job at the time of the injury.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. Payments to a worker who can still work, but whose ability to compete in the open labor market is reduced. (Also see the Benefits Increases table (PDF).)

Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits. Payments to a worker who is considered permanently unable to compete in the open labor market. (Also see the Benefits Increases table (PDF).)

Permanent Disability (PD) rating. The numerical assessment of a physician's description of an injured worker's permanent disability. This is derived by applicant of the functions in the permanent disability rating manual to the language used by the physician to describe the disability, usually involving workers' compensation terms.

Petition for reconsideration (Recon): A legal process to appeal a decision issued by a workers' compensation judge. Heard by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Reconsideration Unit, a seven-member, judicial body appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. For additional information, see How to File a Petition for Reconsideration (PDF) provided by the California Division of Workers' Compensation.

Primary Treating Physician (PTP). The doctor who is responsible for managing the overall care of the injured worker and who writes medical reports that affect the worker’s benefits.

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- Q -

Qualified Injured Worker (QIW). An injured worker who probably will never be able to return to his or her usual job and working conditions, and who probably could find a suitable job after receiving vocational rehabilitation services.

Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). A doctor who is selected by either the injured worker, the worker’s attorney, of the claims administrator to conduct a medical examination and prepare a medical-legal report to help resolve a dispute. QMEs are certified by the state Industrial Medical Council.

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- R -

reconsideration (recon). A legal process for appealing a decision made by a workers' compensation administrative law judge.

reconsideration of a summary rating. A process used when you don't have an attorney and you think mistakes were made in your permanent disability rating. A guide (PDF) on how to file an appeal is provided by California Division of Workers' Compensation.

rehabilitation unit. A unit within DWC that resolves vocational rehabilitation disputes, approves potential settlements of vocational rehabilitation services, and reviews and approves vocational rehabilitation plans for injuries that happened before Jan. 1, 2004. Visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Rehabilitation Unit Web site for additional information.

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- S -

serious and willful misconduct (S&W). A petition (PDF) filed if your injury is caused by the serious and willful misconduct of your employer.

settlement. An agreement between the injured worker and the claims administrator about the worker’s compensation payments and future medical care that will be provided to the worker. Settlements must be reviewed by a workers’ compensation administrative law judge to determine whether they are adequate.

Specific Injury (SP). An injury that was caused by one event at work. Examples: hurting your back in a fall, getting burned by a chemical that splashes on your skin, getting hurt in a car accident while making deliveries.

State disability insurance (SDI). A partial wage-replacement insurance plan paid out to California workers by the state Employment Development Department (EDD). SDI provides short-term benefits to eligible workers who suffer a loss of wages when they are unable to work due to a non work-related illness or injury, or a medically disabling condition from pregnancy or childbirth. Workers with job injuries may apply for SDI when workers' compensation payments are delayed or denied. Call (800) 480-3287 for more information on SDI or visit the California Employment Development Department Web site.

Stipulations with request for award (Stips). A type of settlement where the claims administrator usually agrees to continue paying for medical care for the injury, after agreeing to a particular level of permanent disability.

subjective factors. The amount of pain and other symptoms reported by an injured worker, which cannot be directly measured or observed, that a doctor describes as contributing to the worker's permanent disability.

suitable, gainful employment. Employment or self-employment that is reasonably attainable and that offers an opportunity to restore the injured worker as soon as practicable and as near as possible to maximum self-support.

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- T -

telephonic Nurse Case Manager (TCM). A nurse, assigned to the case by the insurance carrier, to contact the doctor to get updated medical and work status, or to assist with getting a treatment plan.

Temporary Disability (TD). Paid if a physician verifies that an injured employee cannot work because of work-related illness or injury. TD benefits are not paid for the first three days of work missed unless the employee is off more than fourteen days or hospitalized. The amount of TD compensation is determined by law and is two-thirds of the employee’s wages. Payments must be made every two weeks for as long as the employee is eligible. TD benefits stop when the employee returns to work or treating physician releases the employee for work or says that the injury has reached a point of maximum improvement. (Also see the Benefits Increases table (PDF: 73K).)

Temporary Partial Disability benefits (TPD). Payments to a worker who can do some work while recovering but who earns less than before the injury. (Also see the Benefits Increases table (PDF: 73K).)

Temporary Total Disability benefits (TTD). Payments to a worker who cannot work at all while recovering. (Also see the Benefits Increases table (PDF: 73K).)

transportation expenses. A benefit to cover your out-of-pocket expenses for mileage, parking and toll fees related to a claim. Usually a reimbursement. A medical mileage expense form (PDF) is available from the California Division of Workers' Compensation.

transportation reimbursement. Paid by the insurance carrier or employer for the reasonable cost of transportation incurred while obtaining medical care and rehabilitation. The injured worker is entitled to round trip mileage from his or her home or work to the place of treatment, examination, or rehabilitation at the rate of .34 cents per mile (as of 11.01.02).

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- U -

Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF). A fund, run by the DWC, through which your benefits can be paid if your employer is illegally uninsured for workers' compensation. For additional information, visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Special Funds Unit Web site.

utilization review (UR). The process used by insurance companies to decide whether to authorize and pay for treatment recommended by your treating physician or another doctor. Visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Utilization Review Web site for additional information.


- V -

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Once a physician determines that an injured worker is medically eligible and unable to return to his or her previous type of work, the employer and worker jointly select a rehabilitation counselor who will determine whether vocational rehabilitation is feasible, and if appropriate, develop a suitable rehabilitation plan. The goal of a rehabilitation plan is to return the injured worker to suitable, gainful employment.

The benefits are paid if it is unlikely a worker will be able to return to the usual job prior to his/her injury and the employer does not offer other work. Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance Allowance benefits (VRMA) are paid while the employee is participating in vocational rehabilitation. VRMA is paid every two weeks for as long as the employee is eligible. For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1994, there is a $16,000 limit on all rehabilitation benefits.

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- W -

work restrictions. A doctor’s description of clear and specific limits on an injured worker’s job tasks, usually designed to protect the worker from further injury.

Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Consists of 24 local offices throughout the state where disagreements over workers' compensation benefits are initially heard by workers' compensation judges. The WCAB Reconsideration Unit in San Francisco is a seven-member, judicial body appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate that hears appeals of decisions issued by local workers' compensation judges.

workers' compensation administrative law judge. An employee of the state Division of Workers’ Compensation who makes decisions about disputes and approves settlement. The administrative law judges hold hearings at Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) offices, and their decision may be reviewed and reconsidered by the Appeals Board. Also called "Workers’ Compensation Judge." For a list of appeals board offices, visit the California Division of Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Web site.

Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB). An agent of the state Department of Insurance and funded by the insurance industry, this private entity provides statistical and rating information for workers' compensation insurance and employer's liability insurance, and collects and tabulates information to develop pure premium rates. Visit the WCIRB California Web site for additional information.

[lefthanded]

Jo55, many of the w/c links you provided from your google search are marketing w/c insurance carriers for employers/businesses, not claimants.
Thanks, I think most of those type are gone now-Jo
a Googled listing of "workers comp info" - first page of results - more at this link-
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...o+&btnG=Search If they say anything about 'quotes' they are looking for employers to cover, not employees with claims seeking information.

I am beginning to think this thread should be confined to questions for neuro patients who subsequently get injured ,or those with injuries resulting in permanent neuro conditions. I see that we do get some random w/c questions from the net, and they should probably be referred back to their states for more information. That might keep us from being exposed to any question of giving less than complete or competent information to other than our members, who by their nature, understand that we are just here to support one another. It is also a disservice to anyone truly seeking help to think that they have arrived at the right location for help. JMHO, but I think it merits a sticky, perhaps a notice that this website/forum does not hold out to provide any legal information for w/c claims, but instead provides support fot those with chronic neuro conditions who have work-injury related issues.

[Jo*mar]

A Link posted by member


Member thursday

National Organization for Injured Workers

http://www.noiw.org/ ?
I think they are based in CA.

[thursday]

Here's a link to a WC forum that's very active like Neurotalk! Very useful. AND its broken up by state :cool:
http://www.workerscompensationinsurance.com/forum/index.php
I recommend it highly.