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;
- Amount and method of calculating temporary total disability (“TTD”) benefits (or however the state refers to temporary total disability.
- Duration of TTD Benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits
- 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.