This Is PART SEVEN IN THE SERIES

WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN YOUR DOCUMENTATION

Most people want to hurry and get to this information so quickly that they end up rushing through the other important details. Some folks will probably skip over it altogether, and come right to this section, however, I guarantee you, those that do will find themselves coming back to read the article segments that preceded this one. Although it is understandable to want to find out about how your workers compensation payments will be calculated, it is also essential that you KNOW the facts that have already been discussed. Not only will you need to know this information for future reference, but it all ties together, including how your benefits are determined.

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.

I want to emphasize again how important it is to read all your documentation carefully. That includes anything you receive from your attorney if you are represented by one. You need to be sure exactly what your claim is for. You need to know exactly what your diagnosis is according to your physician, and if there is more than one diagnosis, you need to know that. You need to know if you are being fully compensated for your injury(s).

When you look at the document you receive after your regular doctor visits, look at what exactly you are being treated for. If you receive or have access to any of your medical files, notice what medical codes are being billed for. If you have multiple injuries and they're being treated, make sure you’re being compensated for them.

The bottom line is, YOU HAVE A RIGHT to understand how your medical condition and it’s treatment directly affects the legalities of your case. If the doctor isn’t being clear, insist he address your issues and concerns. It’s your body and you should be informed.

If you're represented by an attorney, make sure you understand and agree to everything contained in the documents you sign, not just the main paragraphs. You owe it to yourself to take the time needed to sit down and read everything thoroughly.

Application for adjudication of claim – This is the form you will file to first open your case with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)

Apportionment: This is the method used to determine what portion of your permanent disability is a result of your work injury and what portion is due to other conditions or disabilities.

Commutation: A lump sum payment of all or part of your permanent disability award can be paid when a workers' compensation judge orders a Commutation

Defendant: This is the opposing party in a dispute over benefits or services. It usually refers to your employer or its insurance company

Declaration of readiness: You will hear this referred to as the DOR. When you're ready to resolve a dispute, it is the form used to request a hearing before a workers' compensation judge.

Filing: When an employer or a government agency is sent or delivered a document as part of a legal process, it is called a Filing. The date of filing is the date the document is received.

Hearings: These are the legal proceedings where a workers' compensation judge discusses issues in a case or receives information to help make decisions regarding disputes or proposed settlements.

In pro per: The term for an injured worker that is not represented by an attorney.

Proof of Service: This is the form that must accompany material that has been filed (as defined above). It contains a statement that declares the attached materials have been filed per the court’s instructions.

Stipulations with Request for Award: When a settlement is reached and agreed to by both parties, the terms of the settlement is provided to the judge for final review. With this type of Award, payments take place over time. It may also include future medical treatment.

Stipulation with Award: This is the document the judge signs to make the award final, after having reviewed the Stipulations with Request for Award.

When things begin to take a toll on you, and they will, try to keep your head and don't allow the stress of the situation keep YOU in a constant state of stress. To help you stay balanced and not things get the best of you, you could consider some type of non-invasive therapy.  Before you resort to breaking out all "the meds that" you may or may not have been prescribed by now, you may want to try a little Homeopathic Therapy on a regular basis. Just tell yourself that your special bath time to yourself is part of your treatment. Schedule it into your weekly agenda, and don't allow yourself to cop out on it. Be it a nice soothing bath or maybe a refreshingly stimulating shower. What ever works for you, make that a part of your normal routine, without fail!

• Don't Get Screwed On Your Worker's Comp Claim - Part One

  This Is The Introduction and PART ONE IN THE SERIES From the contents below, you will find out why this information was complied and the best way to benefit from the following article segments. You will...

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