There are several important terms you should know when treating your work injury in California. This can ensure that you understand the workers’ compensation system and your rights as an injured worker. Hearing terms like Maximum Medical Improvement, Permanent Disability and Temporary Disability can start to make your head spin. Even understanding the word ‘disability’ in this situation can become confusing, but this is where Navarro Law Firm comes in.
Workers’ Compensation Terms to Know
We broke down some of the most important terms that you’ll likely hear after you file a claim with your employer, or during your free consultation with us.
Some of the most common workers’ compensation terms are:
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment refers to the care that an injured worker receives for their work-related injury or illness. This can include visits to doctors, hospitals, physical therapy, and other forms of medical care. This one is pretty straight forward, but is a crucial step in the claim process.
Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)
A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a doctor who has been certified by the state of California to perform evaluations of injured workers. QMEs usually resolve disputes about the extent of an injury or the appropriate course of treatment.
Temporary Disability
Temporary disability benefits provide wage replacement to injured workers who are unable to work while they recover from their injury or illness.
Permanent Disability
Permanent disability benefits provide compensation to workers who have sustained a permanent impairment as a result of their work-related injury or illness.
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB)
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) is a voucher that provides funding for re-training and education to injured workers who are unable to return to their previous employment as a result of their injury. Use this benefit to its fullest extent.
Independent Medical Review (IMR)
Independent Medical Review (IMR) usually resolves disputes about the medical treatment provided to injured workers. If there is a dispute, an injured worker can request an IMR to review the decision made by their claims administrator.
Utilization Review (UR)
Utilization Review (UR) is a process used by claims administrators to review the medical treatment provided to injured workers to ensure that it is appropriate and necessary.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point at which an injured worker’s condition has stabilized, and no further improvement in their condition is expected.
Return to Work
Return to work refers to the process of an injured worker returning to work after a work-related injury or illness. This can include modified or alternative work arrangements to accommodate any permanent impairments.
Understanding these terms is crucial when treating your work injury in California. These terms can helpvnavigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure that you receive the benefits and care that you are entitled to as an injured worker.
Where Can I Get Legal Advice?
It’s important to schedule a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and obligations under California law. Navarro Law Firm has helped people throughout California deal with their workers’ comp cases for over 30 years. Contact us today for more information.