Archive for June, 2010
Wage loss due to work restrictions
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After you have been off work, the doctor signs a release that allows you to return to work. If there are any restrictions due to an accident, the doctor must put that in writing.
No heavy lifting
In many cases, a doctor may specify that you are restricted to “light duty” work, as least temporarily.
Work restrictions often limit the amount of weight you can lift. That may be a limit of 15 pounds, about the weight of three reams of paper. If a job requires you to lift and move materials, restrictions can impact the amount of hours you can work or whether you can even do the job.
If your employer does not have any light duty work available, then the employer must state that in writing. Again, this is documentation required for the insurance company.
Documenting wage loss from an accident
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While doctors are accustomed to dealing with paperwork associated with injuries, you have to ask for documentation specifically for the insurance company.
Get it in writing
The documentation can be a letter, a memo, a note, or what is sometimes referred to as a disability letter or slip. Remember that an insurance company always requires documentation for their files. Whatever you call it, the paperwork must—at a minimum—include:
- The doctor’s name, address, phone, and medical licenses number
- The “from” and “to” dates that you will be out of work or have work restrictions
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Losing work after an accident
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You were hurt in an accident, and who wants to go to work when you’re in pain or feeling discomfort? Just thinking about what you have to deal with during the workday is enough to make you feel tired before you even get out of bed.
Taking time off work
If you do not feel well, you might decide to stay home for a few days after the accident. You need to know that you will not be entitled to any claim for wage loss without proper documentation.
What does PIP insurance cover?
Posted by: | CommentsAs a good citizen of your community, you purchased automobile insurance as required by state law. With that policy, you likely also purchased Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Benefits of PIP coverage
Our earlier blog talked about the definition and scope of coverage of PIP insurance. But what benefits does that coverage actually provide when you’ve been injured in an automobile accident?
What is PIP insurance?
Posted by: | CommentsBy law, you are required to have insurance for your vehicle.
But as you look at insurance coverage—whether by talking to an agent or searching on the Internet—the terms of the policy seem like Greek to you. For example, what is PIP coverage?
What does PIP mean?
“PIP” is an acronym for Personal Injury Protection.
The Insurance Commissioner for the State of Washington states:
PIP is insurance coverage for medical and other expenses, such as wage loss and funeral expenses, which result from an auto accident, no matter who is at fault.
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Assess Vehicle Damage
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No one ever wants it to happen, but at some point you might be involved in an accident.
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans, and commercial vehicles all start, stop, and move along at various rates of speed. They are all equipped with mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems—all opportunities for failure.
Then there are drivers. Distracted, drunk, or with just plain bad driving habits.