The Agreement Section
Q. Has my agreement been received and/or approved?
A. A representative from the Agreement section will be able to access the database by DWC Claim number, Claimant's social security number or name and will provide an update on receipt and status of a settlement agreement. Any deficiencies resulting in a delay of approval will also be relayed to the caller.
Q. Has my Motion to Substitute Party been received?
A. A representative from the Agreement section will be able to access the database by DWC Claim number, Claimant's social security number or name and will provide an update on receipt and status of the Motion to Substitute party. Any deficiencies resulting in a delay of approval will also be relayed to the caller.
Q. When will I receive my settlement check?
A. Settlement proceeds are not issued by the Department of Workers' Claims; they are distributed from the appropriate Defense party. The Agreement section can only advise on the agreement approval status.
Q. What is the discount rate?
A. The discount rate is established each year and information on the current year's rate can be found in the Guides section of the Publications area of the DWC website.
Q. Is there a tool available to assist in the calculation of both weekly and lump sum settlements?A. Yes. The
PPD Calculator is a very helpful tool that illustrates how the discount rate and other guidelines apply to the settlement calculation. Because of Social Security regulations, the PPD calculator cannot be used for workers who reach retirement age, as defined in KRS 342.730(4), during the period of income benefits.
The Claims Assignment/Case Files Section
Q. What is the claim number assigned to a specific injury?
Q. Who is the plaintiff’s or defendant’s attorney in a claim?
Q. What is the address or the telephone number of the attorney for claim number 05-00000?
Q. What was the filing date of an order or pleading?
Q. Has my motion been ruled on? Is there a decision in my case? What is the status of my claim?
Q. Has a scheduling order been issued? If so, what is the pertinent information?
Q. Does this employee have any other injuries?
Q. What was the exhibit filed in my claim?
Q. How can I get my exhibit returned to me?
Q. When will my x-rays be returned?
Answers: The Claims Assignment/Case Files Section will assist you in obtaining answers for these questions.
The Claims Review Section
Q. How many copies of the Application for Resolution do you need?
Q. Where do we send the application and to whom do we send it?
Q. Has a judge been assigned to the case yet?
Q. When was the claim received?
Q. Has my claim been received?
Q. Why was the carrier notified in this particular claim?
Q. What is the insurance carrier’s policy number for this date of injury?
Answers: The Claims Review Section will assist you in obtaining answers for these questions.
Appeals
Q. How much time do I have to file an appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Board?
A. Notices of appeal to the board should be filed within 30 days of the administrative law judge's opinion or final order.
Q. When is the petitioner’s brief due?
A. Petitioners have 30 days from the filing of the notice of appeal to file a brief.
Q. When is the respondent’s brief due?
A. Respondent’s briefs are due 30 days from the filing of the petitioner’s brief.