Workers Compensation Terms and Definitions

Claims Administrator This is the term for insurance companies and others who handle your workers' compensation claim. Vocational Rehabilitation This benefit assists qualified injured workers in returning to work. Compromise and Release (C&R) Generally, a final settlement of your workers' compensation case where the parties agree on a single lump sum payment. It usually settles all outstanding issues except for future vocational rehabilitation. Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge Judges at DWC district offices that conduct hearings, take evidence, issue decisions, and approve settlements. Subpoena A document that requires a witness to appear at a hearing. There must be an Application for Adjudication on file for a subpoena to be valid. Findings & Award (F&A) A Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge's decision finding that an applicant is entitled to disability benefit payments, future medical treatment, or both. Permanent Disability (PD) Any residual disability that impairs your ability to compete in the open labor market after you become permanent and stationary. 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. State Disability Insurance (SDI): A branch of the Employment Development Department that pays temporary disability benefits for non-industrial injuries or illnesses. Summary Rating Reconsideration An administrative procedure to object to the Summary Permanent Disability Rating issued by the DWC Disability Evaluation Unit. The request must be made within 30 days of receipt of the summary rating.

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	Did You Know?
	The Hazard Communication Standard provides workers exposed to hazardous chemicals with the right-to-know The Hazard Communication Standard provides workers exposed to hazardous chemicals with the right-to-know the identities and hazards of those materials, as well as appropriate protective measures. When workers have such information, they are able to take steps to protect themselves from experiencing adverse effects from exposure. In addition, providing such information to employers helps them to design better protective programs for exposed employees.