 |
Jerry D. Alford 301-A Yeager Highway |
Feel free to call or email Monday
through Thursday Phone: (304) 756-2100 |
ABOUT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Workers’ Compensation Benefit Rates Workers’ Compensation benefit rates are based on an injured worker's earnings history. Currently, Workers’ Compensation rates are based on either your earnings at the time of the injury or your earnings, on average, during the best quarter of the last four completed quarters of earnings. This includes earnings with other employers. Temporary total disability benefits, for example, are 66 2/3 percent of earnings.
Workers’ Compensation Permanent Impairment Ratings Every West Virginia Workers’ Compensation claimant is entitled to an impairment rating. With few exceptions, claimants are entitled to four weeks of benefits for every percentage of whole body impairment. Generally, the Workers’ Compensation Commission utilizes the American Medical Association’s impairment guidelines to establish impairment ratings. If the Workers’ Compensation Commission awards a permanent partial impairment based on an evaluation by their doctor rather than an evaluation by your treating physician, injured workers should immediately consult with an attorney.
West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Temporary Disability Benefits The West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission pays temporary total disability benefits during an injured worker’s period of recuperation from injuries. Benefits are paid until an individual reaches his/her maximum degree of medical improvement, or is released to return to work.
Rehabilitation If an injured worker is unable to return to his/her former employment or to comparable employment, the injured worker should request rehabilitation services. The West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is required, by law, to provide rehabilitation services to any worker who cannot return to comparable employment and often provides job placement, retraining and other assistance. Rehabilitation programs often include travel reimbursement, tuition, books, payment of temporary total disability benefits while in retraining, and supplemental pay once job placement occurs.
Workers’ Compensation Travel Vouchers Injured workers covered by West Virginia Workers’ Compensation should complete and submit travel vouchers for all travel to physical therapy, pharmacies, doctor appointments and Workers’ Compensation ordered examinations. Reimbursement normally takes approximately three months. Contact your claims representative or your attorney for travel vouchers.
|
||||