Workers Compensation Terms and Definitions

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. Application for Adjudication of Claim (Application or App) Filing this form establishes a case before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). A WCAB case number will be assigned. Commutation An order by a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge for a lump sum payment of part or all of your permanent disability award. Payment can be made to either the injured worker or the injured worker's attorney. Settlement A workers' compensation cases may be settled in one of two ways, by a Compromise and Release (C&R) or by a Stipulation with Request for Award (Stip). A C&R usually settles all outstanding issues in a claim for a single lump sum payment. A Stipulation may leave certain issues open, such as future medical treatment and/or vocational rehabilition. State Disability Insurance (SDI): A branch of the Employment Development Department that pays temporary disability benefits for non-industrial injuries or illnesses. Consultative Rating A rating of permanent disability provided by the DWC Disability Evaluation Unit when a claim is litigated or if the injured worker has an attorney. See Permanent Disability Rating. 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. Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF) If your employer is illegally uninsured, this fund may provide benefits to you. Agreed Medical Examiner (AME) A physician selected by your attorney and the claims administrator who conducts a medical evaluation and submits a comprehensive report to the parties.

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	Did You Know?
	OSHA has developed final "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence OSHA has developed final "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers" and draft guidelines for night retail establishments. The intent of the guidelines is to educate employers on finding ways to provide a more secure work environment. Consequently, OSHA hopes that employers will voluntarily implement workplace violence protection programs. Workplace violence has emerged as an important safety issue in today's workplaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) fatality data, assaults and violent acts caused 20 percent of the fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 1994.