Workers'Compensation Disability Benefits

The act allows a claimant for workers' compensation benefits to refuse an offer of modified employment if the employment requires the claimant to drive to or from work and the treating physician has restricted the claimant from driving. The act adds the loss of an ear to the list of other body parts for which an injured worker can receive whole person permanent impairment benefits. The act increases the current limitations on the amount of money a claimant may claim based on the claimant's impairment rating as follows: For an impairment rating of 19% or less, from $75,000 to $185,000; and For an impairment rating greater than 19%, from $150,000 to $300,000. The act requires a workers' compensation insurer to pay benefits to a claimant by direct deposit upon request by the claimant. APPROVED by Governor June 4, 2024 PORTIONS EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024 PORTIONS EFFECTIVE January 1, 2025(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)