U.S. Virgin Islands Worker's Compensation Benefits
By Aaron Larson
Law Offices of Aaron Larson
July, 2003
Important Notice: The following overview of Virgin Islands's worker's compensation (workmans comp) benefits is presented on an as-is basis. This information is believed accurate as of the date of authorship, but is not intended to provide a complete analysis of available benefits and may not reflect subsequent changes in the law. For a full review of Virgin Islands's worker's compensation law, or for a determination of how the law applies to a specific worker, please consult a worker's compensation attorney licensed to practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Contents
- Introduction
- Special Employment Situations
- Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
- Disability Benefits Provided
- Death Benefits Provided
- Limits on Attorney Fees
Introduction
The Virgin Islands system of worker's compensation (workman's comp) is compulsory, meaning that employers are required to provide worker's compensation insurance for their employees. Worker's compensation insurance is provided through a state fund. Waivers are not permitted.
Special Employment Situations
The worker's compensation act applies to agricultural workers. Employers may provide voluntary worker's compensation coverage for domestic servants.
Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
Full medical benefits are provided to employees entitled to worker's compensation benefits, with no time or monetary limits. Initial choice of physician is made by the employee.
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 a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments are made for permanent total disability (PTD) based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments for PTD continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments for permanent partial disability (PPD) are made based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments for PPD may continue for up to 200 weeks.
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.
Benefits may be available for serous and permanent disfigurement of the head, neck, or other normally exposed areas that would affect employability.
With certain constraints and filing deadlines, occupational hearing losses may be compensable.
Death Benefits Provided
A burial allowance is available.
Limits on Attorney Fees
There is no provision limiting attorney fees.
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