On April 2nd, The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) proposed new interpreter fee schedule regulations online. The public may review and comment on the proposed policy. The possible regulations/proposals include: An objective, uniform fee structure based on the federal court system. Higher rates are paid for certified interpreters over provisionally certified, to encourage use […]
The Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) evaluates permanent disability ratings by looking at medical summaries of health issues (both physical and mental). These evaluations are then used to help decide permanent disability compensation. There are three types of ratings, described below: Formal – requested by workers’ comp judge Consultative – litigated cases, requested by attorney or […]
More changes to the law continue to surface in California workers’ compensation. The DWC (Division of Workers’ Compensation) will hold a public hearing on April 17th in order to revise the official medical fee schedule for physician and non-physician practitioner services (physician fee schedule). This schedule can be found at California Code of Regulations (title […]
According to the 2018 USI Insurance Market Outlook report, workers’ compensation rates in 2018 will vary. Further, increasing medical costs (6% year-over-year growth rate) will continue to impact workers’ compensation as well as liability loss totals. The following text from the USI report provides more insight into this 2018 forecast: “Pricing will be driven by […]
You should find out the outcome of your claim within 90 days from when the claim form is delivered to your employer – if you do not hear back, the injury is likely covered. There are five primary benefits from workers’ comp insurance: 1. Medical care 2. Temporary disability benefits 3. Permanent disability benefits 4. […]
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has adjusted the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS). This is required by Labor Code section 5307.1 – and is designed to adjust to changes in the Medicare payment field. These changes will go live as of March 15th. The […]
If this happens, you should remind your employer that the task at hand violates your work restrictions and find an alternative way to meet the restrictions. Should you decide to refuse to complete the assignment, explain (preferably in writing) that you are refusing because of your work restrictions set by your doctor. California Labor Code […]
Following your injury, your doctor should examine you and create a medical report that is sent to the claims administrator. This report will detail your medical condition and will note if you are able to work or not. If you are able to work, your doctor should describe any specific work limitations (work restrictions). Further, […]
So long as you complete a claim form and your physician is informed that your injury is work-related, you should never receive medical bills. Your employer will pay for your medical care (if injury or illness is work-related). Your employer is able to do this through either a workers’ compensation insurance policy or through being […]
Lawyers will typically provide a single free consultation to assess your case. Usually you don’t pay your attorney immediately, but instead, a fee is taken out of your award/settlement. This fee varies from lawyer to lawyer, but expect anywhere between 9-15% of your settlement to go to your attorney (the fee must be approved by […]
