Workers’ Compensation Research Paper:

Select a particular U.S. state or territory, the federal OWCP system, and write a research paper on the current system of workers’ compensation in that state/jurisdiction. Students should communicate their state of choice to the instructor and/or facilitator.

The research paper should be double-spaced, one-inch margins all around, and drafted according to all relevant APA requirements. The substantive content of the paper should be 10 to 12 double-spaced pages. (Note: Substantive content does not include components such as a cover page, table of contents, works cited/references/bibliography, etc. Substantive content refers to the abstract and body of the paper.)

Should have at least four sources/references that are properly cited and relied upon in a remarkable way within the paper. (Note: Superior performance on the assignment will likely incorporate approximately eight or more sources.) obtain most of the information for the research papers through the state’s/jurisdiction’s government websites. Have at least three non-governmental sources for the paper and cite individual governmental sources accordingly.

The research paper should address the following topical areas:

  • The statutory standard for an injury AND illness to be compensable (discuss injury and illness even if the state treats both the same)
  • Explanation of the benefits offered to workers’ sustaining a compensable injury/illness;
  1. Amount and method of calculating temporary total disability (“TTD”) benefits (or however the state refers to temporary total disability.
  2. Duration of TTD Benefits
  3. Vocational rehabilitation benefits
  4. Permanent partial disability benefits
  5. Permanent total disability benefits
  6. Death benefits to surviving spouses/estates
  • Explanation of the workers’ compensation claims process from the initiation of a claim through the appeals process.
  • Whether the state is a monopolistic, competitive market, or mix.
  • Whether the state calculates and administers its own experience rating system, relies on the NCCI, or has some hybrid.
  • Any methods/practices/programs that employers can participate in to reduce premiums.
  • How light/modified duty is managed by employers and whether employers may reduce compensation for workers on light/modified duty.
  • Any other unique features, facts, or trends about the state’s/country’s workers compensation system.