MightyRecruiterThe language of workers’ compensation can be confusing because it is peppered with numbers and abbreviations. As far as numbers go, they tend to be unique to state law. For example, a 4061 in California is a specific labor code. While there are state-specific glossaries, there are many basic terms that apply nationwide, and it is vital for small-business owners to understand these words. With some study, terms such as ADW and PPD might come more easily to you. Here is a look at 11 top terms found in many workers’ compensation glossaries.
1. AME, or Agreed Medical Evaluator
An AME is the doctor that an injured worker and the workers’ compensation insurance company agrees upon to examine the worker for disability. Both parties must adhere to the doctor’s opinion and findings as to any possible disability or impairment.
2. ADA, or Americans With Disabilities Act
This federal law prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of disability. Employers must to follow requirements under this law, such as making job accommodations.
3. ADW, or Average Daily Wage
ADW is a calculation used to estimate wage loss per day after an injury and is especially used in situations where the average weekly wage would prove inaccurate.
4. AWW, or Average Weekly Wage
AWW is one approach to calculating wage loss on a weekly basis and factors in a fixed range of time.
5. CT Injury, or Cumulative Trauma Injury
An injury resulting over time from repeated occurrences or repeated exposures is called a CT injury. For example, you could get injured this way by subjecting your wrists to the same movements for years or by subjecting your ears to continuous loud noise over a period of time.
6. ERTW, or Estimated Return to Work/Early Return to Work Program
Programs set up by employers to help employees get back to work as quickly as possible. The programs typically include transitional duties, shorter hours and job modification.
7. PPD, or Permanent Partial Disability
A worker who has a PPD is said to be permanently but not completely disabled. This is the most prevalent type of workers’ compensation claim, and people with a PPD are still capable of working but with modifications or with lower-paying jobs. States have their own approaches for defining a PPD and for paying PPD claims.
8. PTD, or Permanent Total Disability
A worker who has a PTD is said to be permanently and completely disabled, and he or she is likely eligible to receive lifetime compensation benefits in many states. Some states, such as California, are more flexible than other states as to what constitutes PTD.
9. TPD, or Temporary Partial Disability
A TPD occurs when a worker is able to remain on the job even with an injury in the picture but is working fewer hours or not working at the same level as before and earning less pay. TPD is finite, with time ranges depending on the state.
10. TTD, or Temporary Total Disability
TTD is when a person is completely not able to work for a temporary time frame. It is common for an employee to start with TTD benefits and move on to TPD benefits as his or her condition improves.
11. VRS, or Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational rehabilitation services are also called occupational rehabilitation services and help workers with disabilities get back to work. Services include resume assistance, job search assistance and training seminars.
This list of 11 terms is a mere starting point as you familiarize yourself with workers’ compensation terms. Furthermore, it is important for you to brush up on state-specific terms and procedures because workers’ compensation approaches vary depending on state.
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