Vocational rehabilitation benefits

  The research paper should address the following topical areas: 1. The statutory standard for an injury AND illness to be compensable (students should discuss injury and illness even if the state treats both the same); 2. Explanation of the benefits offered to workers’ sustaining a compensable injury/illness; - Amount and method of calculation of temporary total disability (“TTD”) benefits (or however the state refers to temporary total disability); - Duration of TTD Benefits; - Vocational rehabilitation benefits; - Permanent partial disability benefits; - Permanent total disability benefits; and - Death benefits to surviving spouses/estates. 3. Explanation of the workers’ compensation claims process from the initiation of a claim through the appeals process; 4. Whether the state is a monopolistic, competitive market, or mix; 5. Whether the state calculates and administers its own experience rating system, relies on the NCCI, or has some hybrid; 6. Any methods/practices/programs that employers can participate in to reduce premiums; 7. How light/modified duty is managed by employers and whether employers may reduce compensation for workers on light/modified duty; 8. Any other unique features, facts or trends about the particular state’s/country’s workers compensation system.