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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.
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.
Permanent Disability (PD)
Any residual disability that impairs your ability to compete in the open labor market after you become permanent and stationary.
Panel Qualified Medical Evaluator
A list of three independent qualified medical evaluators issued by the state Industrial Medical Council. You select any one of the three doctors for your evaluation. This is for workers not represented by an attorney.
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.
Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)
The judicial unit that formally resolves workers' compensation disputes.
Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge
Judges at DWC district offices that conduct hearings, take evidence, issue decisions, and approve settlements.
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.
Stipulation with Request for Award (Stip):
A settlement where the parties agree on the terms of an award. It may include any future medical treatment. Payment takes place over time.
Wage Loss
Temporary disability benefits that may be paid when an employee returns to work at less than full earnings. Also known as Temporary Partial Disability (TPD).
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