Workers' Compensation Glossary
Workers' Compensation Law Terms -S-
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Schedule Permanent Partial Disability: (WCB) Maximum benefit week schedules in the WCL are generally used in determining lifetime benefits for injuries to major body parts. Injuries amounting to less than a 100 percent functional loss are awarded a percentage of the scheduled weeks, and there are also provisions for additional weeks required for a protracted healing period.
Second Injury Fund: A special fund, technically known in New York as the Special Disability Fund, which assumes, in certain cases, part of the permanent disability liability resulting from injuries to previously handicapped workers. The fund, which is funded by assessments against carriers and self-insureds, was created to assure handicapped workers receive full workers' compensation benefits, while encouraging employers to hire physically handicapped persons by protecting them against disproportionate liability in the event of subsequent employment injury.
Self-Insurance: (WCB) In lieu of purchasing insurance from an insurance carrier, an employer or group of employers may assume the liability for the payment of workers' compensation benefits to employees by depositing securities or a surety bond in an amount required by the Board.
Special Funds: Funds established under the WCL to assure payments of benefits associated with claims, usually by transferring all or part of the liability to the Fund.
State Insurance Fund: A quasi-public agency whose activities include a) providing workers' compensation insurance coverage to private and public employers; b) providing other lines of insurance coverage; and c) acting as an agent in NYS in workers' compensation cases involving NYS employees. The State Insurance Fund must offer workers' compensation insurance to any employer requesting it, making the Fund an "insurer of last resort" for employers otherwise unable to obtain coverage.
Symptomatic Treatment: Medical treatments aimed at providing relief from the symptoms of a disease or injury, rather than providing a permanent remedy to the underlying condition.
