Workers Compensation Terms and Definitions

Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge Judges at DWC district offices that conduct hearings, take evidence, issue decisions, and approve settlements. Claims Administrator This is the term for insurance companies and others who handle your workers' compensation claim. Cumulative Trauma (CT) An injury or illness that occurs over a period of time. For example, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Permanent Disability (PD) Any residual disability that impairs your ability to compete in the open labor market after you become permanent and stationary. Agreed Medical Examiner (AME) A physician selected by your attorney and the claims administrator who conducts a medical evaluation and submits a comprehensive report to the parties. Apportionment A way of figuring out how much of your permanent disability is due to your industrial injury and how much is due to other disabilities. Panel Qualified Medical Evaluator A list of three independent qualified medical evaluators issued by the state Industrial Medical Council. You select any one of the three doctors for your evaluation. This is for workers not represented by an attorney. Stipulation with Request for Award (Stip): A settlement where the parties agree on the terms of an award. It may include any future medical treatment. Payment takes place over time. Settlement A workers' compensation cases may be settled in one of two ways, by a Compromise and Release (C&R) or by a Stipulation with Request for Award (Stip). A C&R usually settles all outstanding issues in a claim for a single lump sum payment. A Stipulation may leave certain issues open, such as future medical treatment and/or vocational rehabilition. State Disability Insurance (SDI): A branch of the Employment Development Department that pays temporary disability benefits for non-industrial injuries or illnesses.

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	Did You Know?
	Brake and clutch repair work in the general industry standard is the activity engaged in by the largest group of asbestos exposed workers Brake and clutch repair work in the general industry standard is the activity engaged in by the largest group of asbestos exposed workers, although most of them are exposed sporadically and at low levels. Next largest are custodial workers who do not perform their duties as part of construction activities, but clean surfaces, sweep, buff, vacuum floors, and wash walls and windows in manufacturing plants and a wide variety of public and commercial buildings.