Indiana's Workers' Compensation Act (IC 22-3) provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Understanding the system can help you maximize your benefits.
Covered benefits:
Medical treatment: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury is covered, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment.
Temporary total disability (TTD): If you're unable to work, you receive 66.67% of your average weekly wage (subject to a maximum rate set annually). These benefits continue until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Permanent partial impairment (PPI): Once you reach MMI, if you have a permanent impairment, you receive compensation based on a physician's impairment rating using the AMA Guides.
Permanent total disability (PTD): If you are unable to return to any gainful employment, you may receive benefits for up to 500 weeks.
Reporting deadline: Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Indiana requires notice within 30 days of the injury. For occupational diseases, within 30 days of learning the disease is work-related.
Filing deadline: You must file your application for adjustment with the Worker's Compensation Board within 2 years of the injury or last payment of compensation.