{"id":4687,"date":"2019-04-05T15:06:45","date_gmt":"2019-04-05T19:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/?p=4687"},"modified":"2019-04-05T15:07:18","modified_gmt":"2019-04-05T19:07:18","slug":"types-of-small-reimbursements-in-workers-compensation-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/types-of-small-reimbursements-in-workers-compensation-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Small Reimbursements in Workers\u2019 Compensation Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"

The bulk of the payments in a North Carolina or Virginia workers\u2019 compensation<\/a> claim are the wage loss benefits and the medical expenses. Wage loss benefits are generally paid at the rate of 2\/3rds of the worker\u2019s average weekly wages (prior to the accident) \u2013 up to preset maximums. The wages are paid until the employee can return to work. Additional payments may be made if the worker has a full or partial permanent disability. \u00a0Adjustments to the pay are usually made if the employee can return to work but at a lower paying salary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical payments cover surgeries, doctor visits, psychological counseling, and a variety of different therapies. The payments are made by the employer\u2019s insurance company as long as the treatments are helping the worker get better. Even when an employee has reached maximum medical improvement (no additional medical care will improve his\/her condition), the worker is still entitled to have the medical bills paid so that the condition doesn\u2019t worsen. In other words, the worker is entitled to medical coverage to maintain his\/her health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vocational rehabilitation<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Some workers may not be able to return to their prior work because of the severity of their injuries. North Carolina and Virginia allow these workers to explore the option of vocational retraining. The employer may be required to pay the cost of training the worker or helping the worker get an education \u2013 up to certain limitations. Helping workers acquire new schools often means they can work in new jobs at somewhat similar pay. Speak with a skilled North Carolina or Virginia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer to learn if you are entitled to vocational rehabilitation expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mileage reimbursement to the doctors<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Workers often need to treat with many different doctors. Additionally, they may be required to see a doctor or health provider multiple times. Many workers, for example, can see their physical therapist several times a week for months at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost to get these doctors can add up quickly. In North Carolina and Virginia, workers are entitled to be reimbursed for the cost to see their own doctors, to travel to an independent medical examination when requested, and for vocational rehabilitation support and schooling. The mileage reimbursement expenses continue for health care even if the worker has returned to the job \u2013 provided the worker needs the medical treatments to stay healthy. <\/span><\/p>\n

The mileage expenses are calculated as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

In North Carolina, workers can claim mileage reimbursement if the round trip to the doctor or therapist is 20 miles or more. The amount the worker will receive is generally set by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The NCIC, in turn, sets its rates based on the Standard Mileage Rate that is annually prepared by the IRS.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the NCIC, the mileage reimbursement rates are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf employees travel 20 miles or more round-trip for medical treatment in workers\u2019 compensation cases, they are entitled to collect for mileage at the rate of 25 cents a mile for travel prior to June 1, 2000; <\/span><\/p>\n