Several terms that are not necessarily workers’ compensation terms can also be thrown in the mix when you are injured at work. I have provided these because they are terms a lot of my clients have come across through the course of their workers’ compensation case. Collecting or even applying for many of these benefits can affect your workers’ compensation claim so if you have, or, even if you are considering applying for any of these additional benefits, I strongly suggest you talk to your workers’ compensation attorney first!
*Please remember these terms are provided to give you a clearer picture of what is going on with your workers’ comp claim, the meanings given in this context are not necessarily the legal definition nor are they the only definition of that term.
FMLA: Family and Medical Leave Act– Job protection for time out of work for up to 12 weeks (may not apply to everyone). This is unpaid leave from work.
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Act- This is the entity in Virginia that regulates employers and work safety – workers’ compensation law does not address this.
STD: Short Term Disability- Disability benefits paid through one’s private insurance or provided through their employer that furnishes pay for time out of work not related to workers’ compensation injuries. STD is typically paid for a period of 6 months but can vary depending on the individual policy.
LTD: Long Term Disability- Disability benefits paid through private insurance or provided through an employer that furnishes pay for extended time out of work which is not related to workers’ compensation injuries. LTD typically kicks in after short term disability has been paid out for a period of 6 months but can vary depending on the individual policy.
If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.
~Michele Lewane, Esq.
Author
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.