Glossary of Workers' Compensation Law Terms

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Legal Glossaries Index

Date of injury: If your injury was caused by one event, the date it happened is the date of injury. If the injury or illness was caused by repeated events, the date of injury is the date you knew, or should have known, the injury was caused by work.

Death benefits: Benefits paid to surviving dependents when a work injury results in death. Defendant: The party, usually an employer or its insurance company, opposing you in a dispute over benefits.

Delay letter: A letter sent to you by the insurance company explaining why payments are delayed.

Denied claim: A claim in which the insurance company does not believe that your injury or illness was work related and therefore denies your claim. Disability: A physical or mental impairment that limits everyday activities.

Disability management: A process to prevent disability from occurring or to intervene early and encourage and support continued employment. Disability rating: See permanent disability rating.

Discrimination claim: A petition filed if your employer has fired or discriminated against you for filing a workers' compensation claim.

Dispute: A disagreement about your right to payments, services or other benefits.