Assignment: Workers' Compensation Paper

1. For this assignment, you are to write a 1-2 page paper summarizing what you learned on the United States Department of Labor website about your state's workers compensation program. Summarize in your own words; do not copy and paste from the website.

Be sure to use the APA format and cite your reference.

Assignment: Disability Determination

2. Complete the Disability Determination worksheet. Read each scenario and answer the questions that follow.

Part One: Disability Scenarios

For this portion of the assignment, you will read the scenario and the answer the questions that follow.

Scenario One: Stacey was working as a hostess for a popular restaurant and became ill and was sent home. She decided to go the doctor for treatment and it was determined that she had strep throat. She was advised by the doctor to stay home for three days and then return to work.

• Does this qualify for any type of disability claim?

• Why or why not?

Scenario Two :Samuel was a truck driver for many years and the company he worked for had very good benefits. Samuel began to have some health problems that led him to make an appointment with the doctor. He was experiencing dizziness, sweating, extreme thirst and some weakness. Upon his visit to the doctor and after several tests, Samuel was found to have Diabetes. He was advised to remain off work for several weeks so his blood sugars could get under control. The plan was to manage by oral medication. Samuel was still off work after 6 weeks of treatment and he began to explore his benefit options. The doctor advised him he would be able to return to work in another two weeks.

• Should Samuel file a disability insurance claim?

• If so would this be long or short term disability? Explain your answer in detail.

Scenario Three: Martin was feeling ill one day and collapsed on the floor while at home talking with his wife. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital and was found to have suffered a stroke. Martin was paralyzed on his left side and was unable to use his left arm and leg. He was going to need extensive therapy. He worked as a carpenter for a local building company and his work was very physically demanding. After months of treatment with some improvement Martin began to explore his options. He still needed to use a walker and did not have full use of his arm. His company did not offer any disability plans and he had almost exhausted all his sick time. The doctors felt, Martin was unable to be gainfully employed.

• What type of disability should Martin apply for?

• What steps must he take to apply?

Scenario Four: Sherry was diagnosed with Lupus and spent several months in treatment for her condition. The doctors told her she may be able to return to work, but she would need several months of treatment. Sherry worked for a large hospital corporation for over 25 years and she had built up over 3 months of sick time. She knew she qualified for the Family Medical Leave benefit, but this would take from her sick time, but protect her job. Her condition prevented her from working and after three months of not working, Sherry sat with a human resource representative to explore her options. The doctor told her she would most likely be off work for another six to as much as 12 more months.

• What type of disability do you think the HR representative advised Sherry to apply for?

• Does Sherry meet the requirements to apply for Social Security Disability? Why or why not?