YOUR RIGHTS UNDER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

 

            If you are injured on the job in the state of Delaware, in the course and scope of your employment, you may be entitled to receive the following benefits.  These benefits are per Delaware Workers Compensation statute Title 19, Chapter 23 Delaware code. 

1. TTD (Temporary total disability) - weekly financial reimbursement based on your current gross weekly wage or two-thirds of your gross weekly wage up to the maximum comp rate in Delaware for that year.
   Your claim should be reported by your employer to their insurance company and an adjuster will be assigned and work on your case.
   Agreements as to Compensation should be completed and should be reviewed by an attorney prior to the claimant signing them. It is important that correct workers compensation rate and gross weekly wage are correct. This amount will follow you for the remainder of your claim.
   
   
2. If you are not totally disabled by your physician and you are working part-time you are entitled to temporary partial disability benefits. If you are working a full-time and injured you are still entitled to receive payment of your medical bills.
   
   
3. Be mindful when attending initial doctor’s appointment that you keep the appointment, are on time, and give a detailed description of how your injury occurred and what parts of your body were injured. We would suggest that you begin with the top of your head and move to the bottom of your toes so that each and every body part injured is included, not forgotten and documented by your physician.
   Remember, if you describe your injury incorrectly to your physician, problems could occur in your claim and might not be considered causally connected to your injury.
   
   
4. Prompt payment of your medical bills will be issued by this description of your injury or injuries.  Your doctor will keep records narrating the description of your injury.
   
   
5. Payment of medical prescriptions related to your injury is also a benefit. As is durable medical equipment, i.e., wheelchair, walker, ramp into house.
   
   
6. The right to be compensated for any partial permanent impairment you may have received as part of your ongoing injury is also a benefit. Typically, doctors in the state of Delaware will not consider an injury as permanent until one year from the date of accident.  This benefit will be a lump sum based upon your original compensation rate.  There is only one exception to this rule: if you are at a maximum comp rate at the time of your injury.
   
   
7. You would receive a lump sum based upon your original worker’s compensation rate if your partial permanent impairment is assessed.
   
   
8. Agreements as to Compensation must be executed by the worker and the insurance carrier, then files them with the Industrial Accident Board (IAB)
   
   
9. The remedy for disputed claims is governed by the Industrial Accident Board. A claimant my file a petition to be heard in front of the Board up to approximately a 4 month period of waiting after filing.  If you attempt to file a petition on your own, the Industrial Accident Board will strongly suggest you obtain an attorney and may suggest some names.
   
   
10. There is no pain and suffering claim under the workers compensation statute, i.e., car accident, slip & fall injuries or other personal injuries.
    
    
11. A claimant may be reimbursed for mileage to and from doctor appointments.  The rate is currently $0.40/mile.
    
    
12. An injured worker cannot sue their employer unless it is determined that a third party was responsible for the injury.  This is often the case in construction accidents where a claimant is injured and an independent contractor on the site was the cause of that negligence.  

 

Workers' Compensation Attorneys: We have Attorneys statewide in convenient locations in Delaware to help you through your time of need and ease your suffering. Click here to view our Attorneys pages and profiles



Cynthia Pruitt

Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate.





Tara Bustard

Personal Injury, Worker's Compensation.




Jessica Welch

Personal Injury, Worker's Compensation.



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The information on this website is offered for general informational or educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. It is our intention to keep the materials current but there is no guarantee they are up to date. Do not act or rely upon the information without seeking the advice of an attorney. Most of the attorneys in our firm are licensed and practice in the State of Delaware. The information provided in this website deals, for the most part, with the laws of Delaware. Although Delaware is the primary practice jurisdiction of our firm, we also have attorneys licensed in other states, including PA, NJ & MD. Eric M. Doroshow is the attorney in the firm primarily responsible for maintaining this website.© Law offices Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz and Bhaya, 2009-2020. This website is advertising material as defined by the DE Rules of Professional Conduct. Powered by DTOnline.