confussed

[midnightmouse]

can anyone tell me about west va. comp. laws. i have a broken back and have heard that they pay almost nothing . my laywer said the most will be 5000.00 . i have no clue what i am to do should i move into a tent any help or info i would love to hear about my email is midnightmouse57@yahoo.com thanks randy

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Broken back can mean anything, would you explain much better?

[midnightmouse]

Bad Boy Bad Boy Wrote:Broken back can mean anything, would you explain much better?

In august 2008 I fell of a roof installing direct tv I ended up with a compression fracture of lumbar 1and2 still dealing with pain from back and workers comp . dr. said it will never repair will always be in this condition. I have gone back to work on a perm.light duty which my company has no position for but have made a place for me until april when my benifits run out. then i will be unemployed. there are only 4 lawyers in west va who will do wc.as of 2007 when new laws went into effect.my lawyer said 250.00 -5000.00 tops for my injury as west va does not pay loss of wages pain and suffering ect. i am at witts end MAYBE I DIDNT UNDERSTAND any advice !!!!!!!!!!!

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

If you don't trust your attorney, then switch attorney's. I would first shop around first.

Disability Benefits Provided
Payments are made for temporary total disability (TTD) in an amount determined by a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to weekly maximum and minimum payment amounts. Payments may continue for up to 208 weeks.

Payments are made for permanent total disability (PTD) based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to weekly minimum and maximum payment amounts. Payments for PTD may continue until the claimant attains the age necessary to receive Social Security Old Age Retirement benefits.

Payments for permanent partial disability (PPD) are made based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to weekly minimum and maximum payment amounts.

Scheduled awards are paid in addition to total temporary disability benefits starting upon termination of the termination of the TTD benefits. Scheduled awards are not reduced because of receipt of TTD benefits.

Physical and vocational rehabilitation benefits are available.

With certain constraints and filing deadlines, occupational hearing losses may be compensable.

Death Benefits Provided
Death benefits are payable to an employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages, subject to a cap. A minimum benefit is provided regardless of the employee's earnings. A burial allowance is available.

Limits on Attorney Fees
Attorney fees are limited by statute to 20% of a claimant's or dependent's award, with a 208 week limit.