Workers’ compensation - District of Columbia

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

There is no federal workers’ compensation requirement for most private employers.

Insurance requirement: Self-insurance by private carrier or individual employer.

Exemptions from WC: None

Medical benefits provided: Full

Physician selection: Employee makes initial choice of physician.

Benefits for temporary total disability (TTD): 66 2/3 percent of worker’s wage for duration of disability.

Benefits for permanent total disability (PTD): 66 2/3 percent of worker’s wage for duration of disability.

Benefits for permanent partial disability (PPD): 66 2/3 percent of worker’s wage for duration of disability.

Scheduled awards: Paid in addition to and upon termination of temporary total disability benefits. Awards are not reduced because of receipt of TTD benefits.

Disfigurement benefits: Workers with serious, facial, head, neck, or other exposed area disfigurements likely to handicap employment receive a maximum of $7,500.

Death benefits for surviving spouse and children: A spouse alone receives 50 percent and a spouse with children receives 66 2/3 percent of the employee’s wage while a widow/widower and children are under 18. Two-year lump sum payable upon remarriage. Children receive benefits beyond 18 if physically or mentally disabled, or until age 23 if full-time students.

Maximum burial allowance: $5,000

Waiting period: 3 days. Compensation is retroactive if disability continues for more than 14 days from date of injury.

Rehabilitation: Physical rehabilitation is covered under medical services. Employer is responsible for vocational rehabilitation costs. Employees must accept both PR and VR or their compensation may be suspended. Employees receive TTD benefits plus a maximum of $50/week maintenance during VR.

Attorney fees: Twenty percent, statute, determined by agency.

Occupational hearing loss statutes: Employee has 1 year to file for compensation. Benefits for loss of hearing in one ear is $39,858, and $153,300 for loss of hearing in both ears. There is a deduction for preexisting loss.

State

Contact

Department of Employment Services; Government of the District of Columbia

Regulations

Workers’ Compensation Code (Title 32, Chapter 15)
http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/dccode/

Federal

Contacts

None.

Regulations

None.