Hi Team,
This week’s tip is simple yet VERY important. OC’s look for reasons to argue indemnity benefits were improperly suspended, so make sure to select the correct “box” on the WC-2!
Suspending TTD Benefits – So Many Boxes, (and I Have) So Little Time . . .
- One of the most common questions when filing the WC-2 Form to suspend indemnity benefits is “why are on earth are there so many boxes and which box do I check??” Unfortunately, the answer is “it depends.”
- Below are four common “suspension” scenarios and an outline of the correct “box” to select:
- Claimant Voluntarily Returns to Full Duty Work
- Box #1: Employee returned to work on [DATE] without restrictions from the authorized treating physician.
- The ATP Releases the Claimant is Return to Work Without Restrictions (Full Duty)
- Box #4: Employee returned to work on [DATE] without restrictions from the authorized treating physician, the employee is being given ten (10) days notice, and the authorized treating physician’s report is attached (Board Rule 221 (i)(4)).
- Must: (1) provide 10 days’ notice prior to suspension AND (2) attach a copy of the ATP’s medical report***
- Claimant Unjustifiably Refuses to Attempt the WC-240 Light Duty Job
- Box #6: The employee has been offered suitable employment pursuant to O.C.G.A 34-9-240 and has unjustifiably refused to attempt to perform the job. Form WC-240 was sent at least ten days before the employee was required to report for work. A copy of the Form WC-240 is attached.
- A copy of the WC-240 must be attached*****
- Claimant Returns to Work via the WC-240 Process
- Box # 11: **Write** “Claimant is returning to work on [DATE] via WC-240 process with restrictions from the authorized treating physician at pre-injury or higher rate of pay. A copy of WC-240 is attached.”
- Must: (1) provide 10 days’ notice prior to suspension, and (2) attach a copy of the WC-240 AND approved light duty job description from the ATP.
Enjoy your weekend!
Sincerely,
John Fennelly | Junior Partner