Workers’ Compensation Benefi ts

The discussion about workers compensation often includes  topics such as timely reporting, the claim investigation,  disputes, and litigation. However since most claims are  compensable and accepted, we would like to explain some  of the benefi ts that the workers’ compensation system offers  an injured employee.

Benefi ts are categorized by indemnity and medical benefi ts.  Indemnity payments are for wage loss and impairment.  Temporary benefi ts are paid for wage loss when a physician  writes an order that the employee is unable to work for a  period of time longer than seven consecutive days. (SDCL  62-4-2) In order to determine the weekly benefi t rate, we  review 52 weeks of payroll prior to the injury. A Form 110  “Calculation of Compensation” is submitted to the Department  of Labor and Regulation (DOLR). Permanent benefi ts are  paid when a physician determines that the employee has an  impairment rating. This percentage of impairment is multiplied  by the applicable statute and the weekly benefi t rate (SDCL  62-4-6).

The following are benefi ts paid as indemnity payments on  a claim fi le:

• TTD Temporary Total Disability - Employee ordered  totally off work

• TPD Temporary Partial Disability - Employee released  to work with restrictions

• PPD Permanent Partial Disability - Physician assesses  impairment rating

• PTD Permanent Total Disability - Employee is unable  to work in any capacity

The most common benefit provided is the medical  benefi t. Medical documentation is required to determine  compensability of all claims. We do not pay medical benefi ts  without a physician opinion and complete review of the  medical records. The medical benefi t provides for payment of  provider services such as hospital, doctor, physical therapist,  and chiropractor. It also pays travel expense if treatment  is required of a specialist or provider not located in the  employee’s work or home community. Personal items such as  eyeglasses and hearing aids and dentures can be a covered  item if they are damaged in an accident which also causes  another injury. (SDCL 62-4-1) ■

Common Work Comp Injuries by Type

Based on Benefits Paid by Claims Associates, Inc. from 2020-2022

A signifi cant number  of claims occur to  the upper extremity which includes the  arm, elbow, wrist, and  shoulder, hand and  fi ngers. Consistently, the  lower extremity (knee,  ankle, foot) has the  next highest number of  claims, while back and  head claims are close  behind.

We’re fi nally hitting spring (and summer) temps. It is about  time. How crazy was March? It even carried over into April.  District 1 meeting postponed and then canceled. District  3 postponed. District 6 postponed. SDMEA conference  postponed. I am ready for spring and summer. The March  we had made it easy to wish for April showers.

Due to the inclement weather in Watertown, we had to  postpone the SDMEA Conference to April 26 and 27. It  seemed to work out for most people, but of course, when  you reschedule you will lose some people. The conference  is in exactly two weeks from when I am typing this, and I am  excited to see everyone again.

One major setback is that almost immediately after our  conference I will be reaching out to everyone again to try and  schedule our SDMEA Golf Tournament, which is scheduled  for June 13 in Madison. So… stay tuned and look for emails  so that we can get a quick turnaround for our next event!  These events only continue to work because of the member  attendance.

I believe we may have to look at another permanent change  to the conference dates and potentially changing the agenda  to make it easier to get as many of our members represented  as possible. This year, for the original April 4-5 dates, we  were going to set record number of attendees. The SDMEA  conference is evolving, and we are hoping to make it an  event that people are excited to attend and leave knowing  that it was worth it to come to the conference. We are always  looking for input and ways to improve, so if you would like to  see changes, do not hesitate to let us know!

Mutual aid seems to be a constant topic and please remember  that your current mutual aid agreements are still in effect,  however, our new version is rolling out. I have gotten a few back from our members already but I will be sending them  out again to be signed so that everyone is up to date. Please  note, that just because you sign the agreement does not  mean that you are forced to assist in the mutual aid. It just  means that if you are available and willing to help that we have  the agreements in place and proper documents are fi lled out  prior to the aid being administered.

In closing, the most important thing to take from this article is  watch your email. Soon I’ll be sending an email to register for  the SDMEA golf outing. I encourage every one of our members  to participate as it is a wonderful event at a wonderful course.  Also, please be looking for the email for mutual aid and sign  and send back to me as soon as possible.

It is all of our members that make our HOMETOWNS great  and we hope to help in any way that we can! ■

Human Resource School

June 6-7, 2023

Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center, Pierre, SD

Tuesday, June 6 12:15

1:15

• Common Mistakes Employers Make When Paying Their Employees

• Child Labor Laws, Especially Lifeguards and Summer Temps

• Q&A – What Questions Do Employers Have?

2:30

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Wednesday, June 7 7:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

Registration Fees Register by May 20

• SDGHRA member | $50

• Non-member | $100

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FINANCE OFFICERS' SCHOOL

June 7-9, 2023

Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center, Pierre, SD

Thursday, June 8 (continued)

• Comprehensive Plans – What’s Your Role

• FO Q&A – Agendas and Minutes

• World of Liquor

3:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions:

• World of Liquor

• Audit – Requirements and Preparation

5:30 p.m. President’s Social and Dinner Finance Officer of the Year Award, Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center

Friday, June 9

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Registration Fees Register by May 20

• SDGFOA Member | $75

• Non-member | $100

• Guest Registration | Priced per meal Register by May 20 and be entered for your chance to win one sleeping room courtesy of the SDGFOA. One name will be randomly drawn from all paid conference registrants and notified via email.

Tentative agenda. All times Central Time.