If you believe your medical condition is the result of an accidental injury, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury. Once notice of injury is provided, it is the responsibility of the employer/insurer to offer employer-funded medical treatment, including transportation to and from doctors’ appointments.
As an injured worker, you have additional rights regarding ongoing medical treatment. For example, you may have the right to an employer-funded independent medical evaluation with a doctor of your choice. You may also have the right to change doctors if you become dissatisfied with your initial treating physician.
In addition to providing medical benefits, there are three types of income benefits designated for injuries:
Temporary total disability
This is for workers who are totally disabled, but expected to recover enough to return to work in the future. You receive a weekly check paid for each week you cannot work due to your injury. The amount you receive is based on 2/3 of your average weekly wage (AWW). The AWW is computed by averaging your gross wages for the 13 weeks prior to the injury. The maximum you can receive in temporary total disability benefits is $725 per week.
Temporary partial disability
This is for workers who are partially disabled, but are able to return to work with restrictions, but at a reduced AWW. You receive 2/3 of the difference between your AWW when injured and your AWW upon your return to work. The maximum amount an injured worker can receive for temporary partial disability is $483 per week.
Permanent partial disability
A permanent injury can result in permanent partial disability, meaning a person permanently loses the use or function of part of the body. This loss limits the person to certain types of work, which may have a lower salary than his or her previous job. The amount you receive is based on the permanent partial disability rating issued by your treating physician.