This Is PART EIGHT IN THE SERIES

TYPES OF BENEFITS YOU'LL RECEIVE AND WHEN

Keep in mind, the information contained here pertaining to workers compensation claim benefits is general information, as it typically relates to on the job injuries. Everyone's case has specifics that may apply solely to that particular situation, so the details here will give you an IDEAL of what to expect, but it is not wrtten in stone.

The various types of payments, as discussed below, are relative to particular phases of the workers compensation case. You will need to keep in mind that different phases of the claims process pays differently than other phases of the case. If you remember this fact, you won't end up mixing your apples with your oranges, when it comes to figuring out what you "have been paid", and what you can "expect" to be paid.

KNOWLEDGE: SAVE IT - PASS IT ON - OR BOTH!

PLEASE NOTE: The information you are about to read is contained in a ten part article series. Those who have an existing claim or pending claim in the making will benefit greatly from "Don't Get Screwed On Your Worker's comp Claim", not only from one individual part, but by reading the entire series. Each segment is designed to provide the needed workers compensation information for that particular topic, but it also flows right into the next portion of the information, so you can get the full gist of what is being conveyed.

Temporary Disability

The first type of benefits you'll receive is referred to as temporary disability (TD). In California, you can receive temporary disability for up to 12 months, or until your condition becomes permanent and stationary (whichever comes first). This rate pays 70% of your normal salary.

Permanent Disability

The other benefits you receive are your Permanent Disability benefits (PD). You can only start receiving them after your medical condition is P&S because up until then, there is no way of knowing what the extent of your disability will be. In California, you will be paid PD benefits equivalent to two thirds of your average weekly wage at the time of your injury. (More about this in the next section)

Vocational Rehabilitation

After you are determined to be P&S, your vocational rehabilitation benefits (if eligible) are the next types of benefits you'll receive. In California, the Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance Allowance (VRMA) pays two thirds of your average weekly wage (less attorney fees if you have one).

The full amount of permanent disability benefits you are entitled to can only be determined after your condition is P&S. When that happens, an amount will be calculated. That amount depends on the Rating you are given, and the amount of your normal weekly salary.

Your doctor determines to what degree you are disabled, by establishing a Rating that, hopefully, everyone is in agreement with. If not, there may be some negotiations between attorneys to agree on a Rating.

The agreed Rating will be used with a chart to determine how many weeks of pay you are entitled to. In California, you will be paid benefits equivalent to two thirds of your average weekly wage at the time of your injury, until the calculated amount of benefits (based on the Rating) is paid. That means, receiving this money in a lump sum is not automatic, and you may end up receiving small bimonthly payments. (See “How To Request a Lump Sum” section)

REMEMBER THIS POINT: Any and all permanent disability benefits you receive during the claim process will be deducted from your settlement award at the end of the claim.

While so much is going on with your physical body, little, if any attention may be given to the condition of your mental state.  Regardless, it is cruicial that you safeguard your mental health.  Unfortunately, you may be the only one that is actually concerned about doing this, so make sure you give it ample thought.  Just like the previous article in this series talked about homeopathic therapy as an alternative to relevieing your physical pain, it is excellent for ridding you of those nasty negative thougths that lead to stress and other health condidtions.  You already have one illness and the last thing you want to do is compound it with an emotional disorder. 

STAY CONNECTED TO FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES - While your physical limitations may cause you to start cutting off people you typically spend time with, don't let this happen.  Find other ways to interact and spend time with the people who care about you.

FIND WAYS TO STAY BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE -Don't allow the spirit of negativity set in and convince you that you can no longer be productive, therefore, you no longer have any worth.  No matter what your illness or injury is, there are still plenty of things you can find to do, both in a creative and pleasurable way, as well as for a potential livlihood.   If you obtain the voice activated software that allows you to dictate to your computer and have your work automatically typed, you may want to look into "writing for pay" opportunities online. 

Just remember, you may need to get used to your condition until it is corrected, or indefintely, so instead of spending a lot of time feeling sorry for a situation that you have absolutely no control over, try and figure out what you ARE actually in control of.  You are still living a breathing, and that counts for a lot.  After you go through a proper mourning period over the "death" of your good health, snap out of it, and give the pity party a break.  Start doing whatever things possible to regain some semblence of your life!

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