Bill Text: IN SB0164 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Sheriff's department survivor benefits.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-11 - First reading: referred to Committee on Pensions and Labor [SB0164 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2010-SB0164-Introduced.html
Citations Affected: IC 22-3.
Synopsis: Sheriff's department survivor benefits. Provides that,
without regard to any maximum statutory compensation period, the
surviving spouse of a county police officer or a county sheriff who was
killed in the line of duty is entitled to receive worker 's compensation
benefits until the earlier of: (1) the surviving spouse's remarriage; or (2)
the surviving spouse's death. Makes conforming amendments and
technical corrections.
Effective: July 1, 2010.
January 11, 2010, read first time and referred to Committee on Pensions and Labor.
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor
and safety.
(b) With respect to injuries in the schedule set forth in subsection (d) occurring on and after July 1, 1988, and before July 1, 1989, the employee shall receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the injury, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred sixty-six dollars ($166) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the injury.
(c) With respect to injuries in the schedule set forth in subsection (d) occurring on and after July 1, 1989, and before July 1, 1990, the employee shall receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the injury, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred eighty-three dollars ($183) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the injury.
(d) With respect to injuries in the following schedule occurring on and after July 1, 1990, and before July 1, 1991, the employee shall receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the injury, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the injury.
(1) Amputation: For the loss by separation of the thumb, sixty (60) weeks, of the index finger forty (40) weeks, of the second finger thirty-five (35) weeks, of the third or ring finger thirty (30) weeks, of the fourth or little finger twenty (20) weeks, of the hand by separation below the elbow joint two hundred (200) weeks, or the arm above the elbow two hundred fifty (250) weeks, of the big toe sixty (60) weeks, of the second toe thirty (30) weeks, of the third toe twenty (20) weeks, of the fourth toe fifteen (15) weeks, of the fifth or little toe ten (10) weeks, for loss occurring on and after April 1, 1959, by separation of the foot below the knee joint, one hundred seventy-five (175) weeks and of the leg above the knee joint two hundred twenty-five (225) weeks. The loss of more than one (1) phalange of a thumb or toes shall be considered as the loss of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of more than two (2) phalanges of a finger shall be considered as the loss of the entire finger. The loss of not more than one (1) phalange of a thumb or toe shall be considered as the loss of one-half (1/2) of the thumb or toe and compensation shall be paid for one-half (1/2) of the period for the loss of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of not more than one (1) phalange of a finger shall be considered as the loss of one-third (1/3) of the finger and compensation shall be paid for one-third (1/3) the period for the loss of the entire finger. The loss of more than one (1) phalange of the finger but not more than two (2) phalanges of the finger, shall be considered as the loss of one-half (1/2) of the finger and compensation shall be paid for one-half (1/2) of the period for the loss of the entire finger.
(2) For the loss by separation of both hands or both feet or the total sight of both eyes, or any two (2) such losses in the same
accident, five hundred (500) weeks.
(3) For the permanent and complete loss of vision by enucleation
or its reduction to one-tenth (1/10) of normal vision with glasses,
one hundred seventy-five (175) weeks.
(4) For the permanent and complete loss of hearing in one (1) ear,
seventy-five (75) weeks, and in both ears, two hundred (200)
weeks.
(5) For the loss of one (1) testicle, fifty (50) weeks; for the loss of
both testicles, one hundred fifty (150) weeks.
(e) With respect to injuries in the schedule set forth in subsection
(h) occurring on and after July 1, 1979, and before July 1, 1988, the
employee shall receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits
not exceeding fifty-two (52) weeks on account of the injury, a weekly
compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly
wages not to exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) average
weekly wages for the period stated for the injury.
(f) With respect to injuries in the schedule set forth in subsection (h)
occurring on and after July 1, 1988, and before July 1, 1989, the
employee shall receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits
not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the injury, a
weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average
weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred sixty-six dollars ($166)
average weekly wages, for the period stated for the injury.
(g) With respect to injuries in the schedule set forth in subsection
(h) occurring on and after July 1, 1989, and before July 1, 1990, the
employee shall receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits
not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the injury, a
weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average
weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred eighty-three dollars ($183)
average weekly wages, for the period stated for the injury.
(h) With respect to injuries in the following schedule occurring on
and after July 1, 1990, and before July 1, 1991, the employee shall
receive, in addition to temporary total disability benefits not exceeding
seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the injury, a weekly
compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly
wages, not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) average weekly
wages, for the period stated for the injury.
(1) Loss of use: The total permanent loss of the use of an arm,
hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange shall be considered
as the equivalent of the loss by separation of the arm, hand,
thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange, and compensation shall
be paid for the same period as for the loss thereof by separation.
(2) Partial loss of use: For the permanent partial loss of the use of an arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange, compensation shall be paid for the proportionate loss of the use of such arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange.
(3) For injuries resulting in total permanent disability, five hundred (500) weeks.
(4) For any permanent reduction of the sight of an eye less than a total loss as specified in subsection (d)(3), compensation shall be paid for a period proportionate to the degree of such permanent reduction without correction or glasses. However, when such permanent reduction without correction or glasses would result in one hundred percent (100%) loss of vision, but correction or glasses would result in restoration of vision, then in such event compensation shall be paid for fifty percent (50%) of such total loss of vision without glasses, plus an additional amount equal to the proportionate amount of such reduction with glasses, not to exceed an additional fifty percent (50%).
(5) For any permanent reduction of the hearing of one (1) or both ears, less than the total loss as specified in subsection (d)(4), compensation shall be paid for a period proportional to the degree of such permanent reduction.
(6) In all other cases of permanent partial impairment, compensation proportionate to the degree of such permanent partial impairment, in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not exceeding five hundred (500) weeks.
(7) In all cases of permanent disfigurement which may impair the future usefulness or opportunities of the employee, compensation, in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not exceeding two hundred (200) weeks, except that no compensation shall be payable under this subdivision where compensation is payable elsewhere in this section.
(i) With respect to injuries in the following schedule occurring on and after July 1, 1991, the employee shall receive in addition to temporary total disability benefits, not exceeding one hundred twenty-five (125) weeks on account of the injury, compensation in an amount determined under the following schedule to be paid weekly at a rate of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the employee's average weekly wages during the fifty-two (52) weeks immediately preceding the week in which the injury occurred.
(1) Amputation: For the loss by separation of the thumb, twelve (12) degrees of permanent impairment; of the index finger, eight (8) degrees of permanent impairment; of the second finger, seven
(7) degrees of permanent impairment; of the third or ring finger,
six (6) degrees of permanent impairment; of the fourth or little
finger, four (4) degrees of permanent impairment; of the hand by
separation below the elbow joint, forty (40) degrees of permanent
impairment; of the arm above the elbow, fifty (50) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the big toe, twelve (12) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the second toe, six (6) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the third toe, four (4) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the fourth toe, three (3) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the fifth or little toe, two (2) degrees of
permanent impairment; by separation of the foot below the knee
joint, thirty-five (35) degrees of permanent impairment; and of the
leg above the knee joint, forty-five (45) degrees of permanent
impairment.
(2) Amputations: For the loss by separation of any of the body
parts described in subdivision (1) on or after July 1, 1997, and for
the loss by separation of any of the body parts described in
subdivision (3), (5), or (8), on or after July 1, 1999, the dollar
values per degree applying on the date of the injury as described
in subsection (j) shall be multiplied by two (2). However, the
doubling provision of this subdivision does not apply to a loss of
use that is not a loss by separation.
(3) The loss of more than one (1) phalange of a thumb or toe shall
be considered as the loss of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of
more than two (2) phalanges of a finger shall be considered as the
loss of the entire finger. The loss of not more than one (1)
phalange of a thumb or toe shall be considered as the loss of
one-half (1/2) of the degrees of permanent impairment for the loss
of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of not more than one (1)
phalange of a finger shall be considered as the loss of one-third
(1/3) of the finger and compensation shall be paid for one-third
(1/3) of the degrees payable for the loss of the entire finger. The
loss of more than one (1) phalange of the finger but not more than
two (2) phalanges of the finger shall be considered as the loss of
one-half (1/2) of the finger and compensation shall be paid for
one-half (1/2) of the degrees payable for the loss of the entire
finger.
(4) For the loss by separation of both hands or both feet or the
total sight of both eyes or any two (2) such losses in the same
accident, one hundred (100) degrees of permanent impairment.
(5) For the permanent and complete loss of vision by enucleation,
thirty-five (35) degrees of permanent impairment.
(6) For the reduction of vision to one-tenth (1/10) of normal vision with glasses, thirty-five (35) degrees of permanent impairment.
(7) For the permanent and complete loss of hearing in one (1) ear, fifteen (15) degrees of permanent impairment, and in both ears, forty (40) degrees of permanent impairment.
(8) For the loss of one (1) testicle, ten (10) degrees of permanent impairment; for the loss of both testicles, thirty (30) degrees of permanent impairment.
(9) Loss of use: The total permanent loss of the use of an arm, a hand, a thumb, a finger, a leg, a foot, a toe, or a phalange shall be considered as the equivalent of the loss by separation of the arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange, and compensation shall be paid in the same amount as for the loss by separation. However, the doubling provision of subdivision (2) does not apply to a loss of use that is not a loss by separation.
(10) Partial loss of use: For the permanent partial loss of the use of an arm, a hand, a thumb, a finger, a leg, a foot, a toe, or a phalange, compensation shall be paid for the proportionate loss of the use of the arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange.
(11) For injuries resulting in total permanent disability, the amount payable for impairment or five hundred (500) weeks of compensation, whichever is greater.
(12) For any permanent reduction of the sight of an eye less than a total loss as specified in subsection (h)(4), the compensation shall be paid in an amount proportionate to the degree of a permanent reduction without correction or glasses. However, when a permanent reduction without correction or glasses would result in one hundred percent (100%) loss of vision, then compensation shall be paid for fifty percent (50%) of the total loss of vision without glasses, plus an additional amount equal to the proportionate amount of the reduction with glasses, not to exceed an additional fifty percent (50%).
(13) For any permanent reduction of the hearing of one (1) or both ears, less than the total loss as specified in subsection (h)(5), compensation shall be paid in an amount proportionate to the degree of a permanent reduction.
(14) In all other cases of permanent partial impairment, compensation proportionate to the degree of a permanent partial impairment, in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not exceeding one hundred (100) degrees of permanent impairment.
(15) In all cases of permanent disfigurement which may impair the future usefulness or opportunities of the employee, compensation, in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not exceeding forty (40) degrees of permanent impairment except that no compensation shall be payable under this subdivision where compensation is payable elsewhere in this section.
(j) Compensation for permanent partial impairment shall be paid according to the degree of permanent impairment for the injury determined under subsection (i) and the following:
(1) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 1991, and before July 1, 1992, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to thirty-five (35), five hundred dollars ($500) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), nine hundred dollars ($900) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per degree.
(2) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 1992, and before July 1, 1993, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to twenty (20), five hundred dollars ($500) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from twenty-one (21) to thirty-five (35), eight hundred dollars ($800) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), one thousand three hundred dollars ($1,300) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(3) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 1993, and before July 1, 1997, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to ten (10), five hundred dollars ($500) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven (11) to twenty (20), seven hundred dollars ($700) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from twenty-one (21) to thirty-five (35), one thousand dollars ($1,000) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(4) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 1997, and before July 1, 1998, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to ten (10), seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven
(11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand dollars ($1,000) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to
fifty (50), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one
thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(5) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 1998,
and before July 1, 1999, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven
(11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand dollars ($1,000) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to
fifty (50), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one
thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(6) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 1999,
and before July 1, 2000, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), nine hundred dollars ($900) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven (11) to
thirty-five (35), one thousand one hundred dollars ($1,100) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six
(36) to fifty (50), one thousand six hundred dollars ($1,600) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50),
two thousand dollars ($2,000) per degree.
(7) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2000,
and before July 1, 2001, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand one hundred dollars
($1,100) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand three hundred
dollars ($1,300) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two thousand dollars
($2,000) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
above fifty (50), two thousand five hundred fifty dollars ($2,500)
($2,550) per degree.
(8) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2001,
and before July 1, 2007, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred dollars
($1,300) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five hundred
dollars ($1,500) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two thousand four
hundred dollars ($2,400) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment above fifty (50), three thousand dollars
($3,000) per degree.
(9) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2007,
and before July 1, 2008, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred forty dollars
($1,340) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five hundred
forty-five dollars ($1,545) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand four hundred seventy-five dollars ($2,475) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three
thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($3,150) per degree.
(10) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2008,
and before July 1, 2009, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred sixty-five
dollars ($1,365) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five
hundred seventy dollars ($1,570) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand five hundred twenty-five dollars ($2,525) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three
thousand two hundred dollars ($3,200) per degree.
(11) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2009,
and before July 1, 2010, for each degree of permanent impairment
from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred eighty
dollars ($1,380) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five
hundred eighty-five dollars ($1,585) per degree; for each degree
of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand six hundred dollars ($2,600) per degree; for each degree
of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three thousand three
hundred dollars ($3,300) per degree.
(12) With respect to injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2010,
for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to ten (10),
one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per degree; for each
degree of permanent impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five
(35), one thousand six hundred dollars ($1,600) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty
(50), two thousand seven hundred dollars ($2,700) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three
thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500) per degree.
(k) The average weekly wages used in the determination of
compensation for permanent partial impairment under subsections (i)
and (j) shall not exceed the following:
(1) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1991, and
before July 1, 1992, four hundred ninety-two dollars ($492).
(2) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1992, and
before July 1, 1993, five hundred forty dollars ($540).
(3) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1993, and
before July 1, 1994, five hundred ninety-one dollars ($591).
(4) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1994, and
before July 1, 1997, six hundred forty-two dollars ($642).
(5) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1997, and
before July 1, 1998, six hundred seventy-two dollars ($672).
(6) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1998, and
before July 1, 1999, seven hundred two dollars ($702).
(7) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1999, and
before July 1, 2000, seven hundred thirty-two dollars ($732).
(8) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2000, and
before July 1, 2001, seven hundred sixty-two dollars ($762).
(9) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2001, and
before July 1, 2002, eight hundred twenty-two dollars ($822).
(10) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2002,
and before July 1, 2006, eight hundred eighty-two dollars ($882).
(11) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2006,
and before July 1, 2007, nine hundred dollars ($900).
(12) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2007,
and before July 1, 2008, nine hundred thirty dollars ($930).
(13) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2008,
and before July 1, 2009, nine hundred fifty-four dollars ($954).
(14) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2009,
nine hundred seventy-five dollars ($975).
class, and, except as provided by section 17.5 of this chapter, the
maximum shall not exceed five hundred (500) weeks for dependents of
the first class.
On and after April 1, 1969, and prior to July 1, 1971, when death results from an injury within five hundred (500) weeks, there shall be paid to the total dependents of said deceased, as determined by the provisions of
On and after July 1, 1971, and prior to July 1, 1974, when death results from an injury within five hundred (500) weeks, there shall be paid to the total dependents of said deceased, as determined by the provisions of
On and after July 1, 1974, and before July 1, 1976, when death results from an injury within five hundred (500) weeks, there shall be paid the total dependents of the deceased, as determined by the provisions of sections 18, 19 and 20 of this chapter, weekly compensation amounting to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the deceased's average weekly wage, not to exceed a maximum of one hundred thirty-five dollars ($135) average weekly wages, until the compensation so paid, when added to any compensation paid to the deceased employee, shall equal five hundred (500) weeks, and to partial dependents as hereinafter provided. On and after July 1, 1976,
and, except as provided by section 17.5 of this chapter, when death
results from an injury within five hundred (500) weeks, there shall be
paid the total dependents of the deceased as determined by sections 18,
19 and 20 of this chapter, weekly compensation amounting to sixty-six
and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the deceased's average weekly
wage, as defined by IC 22-3-3-22, section 22 of this chapter, until the
compensation paid, when added to the compensation paid to the
deceased employee, equals five hundred (500) weeks, and to partial
dependents, as provided in sections 18 and 20 of this chapter.
(1) is the surviving spouse of a county police officer or a county sheriff who was killed in the line of duty (as defined in IC 5-10-10-2); and
(2) after June 30, 2010, receives compensation as determined under this article as a dependent of the deceased.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this article, a surviving spouse is entitled to receive compensation under this article until the earlier of:
(1) the date of the surviving spouse's remarriage; or
(2) the date of the surviving spouse's death.
wage until the compensation so paid when added to any compensation
paid to the deceased employee shall equal four hundred (400) weeks,
and to partial dependents as hereinafter provided.
On and after April 1, 1967, and prior to April 1, 1969, when death
results from an occupational disease within four hundred fifty (450)
weeks, there shall be paid to total dependents of said deceased, as
determined by the provisions of IC 22-3-7-12, IC 22-3-7-13,
IC 22-3-7-14, IC 22-3-7-15, sections 12, 13, 14, and 15 of this
chapter, a weekly compensation amounting to sixty (60) per centum
of the deceased's average weekly wage, until the compensation so paid
when added to any compensation paid to the deceased employee shall
equal four hundred fifty (450) weeks, and to partial dependents as
hereinafter provided.
On and after April 1, 1969, and prior to July 1, 1974, when death
results from occupational disease within five hundred (500) weeks,
there shall be paid to total dependents of said deceased, as determined
by the provisions of IC 22-3-7-12, IC 22-3-7-13, IC 22-3-7-14,
IC 22-3-7-15, sections 12, 13, 14, and 15 of this chapter, a weekly
compensation amounting to sixty (60) per centum of the deceased's
average weekly wage, until the compensation so paid when added to
any compensation paid to the deceased employee shall equal five
hundred (500) weeks, and to partial dependents as hereinafter
provided.
On and after July 1, 1974, and before July 1, 1976, when death
results from occupational disease within five hundred (500) weeks,
there shall be paid to total dependents of said deceased as determined
by the provisions of IC 22-3-7-12, IC 22-3-7-13, IC 22-3-7-14,
IC 22-3-7-15, sections 12, 13, 14, and 15 of this chapter, a weekly
compensation amounting to sixty-six and two-thirds (66 2/3) per
centum of the deceased's average weekly wage, up to one hundred
thirty-five dollars ($135.00) average weekly wages, until the
compensation so paid when added to any compensation paid to the
deceased employee shall equal five hundred (500) weeks, and to partial
dependents as hereinafter provided.
On and after July 1, 1976, and except as provided by section 11.5
of this chapter, when death results from occupational disease within
five hundred (500) weeks, there shall be paid to total dependents of the
deceased, as determined by the provisions of IC 22-3-7-12 sections 12
through IC 22-3-7-15, 15 of this chapter, a weekly compensation
amounting to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the
deceased's average weekly wage, as defined in IC 22-3-7-19, section
19 of this chapter, until the compensation paid, when added to
compensation paid to the deceased employee, equals five hundred
(500) weeks, and to partial dependents as provided in this chapter.
(1) is the surviving spouse of a county police officer or a county sheriff who was killed in the line of duty (as defined in IC 5-10-10-2); and
(2) after June 30, 2010, receives compensation as determined under this chapter as a dependent of the deceased.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, a surviving spouse is entitled to receive compensation under this chapter until the earlier of:
(1) the date of the surviving spouse's remarriage; or
(2) the date of the surviving spouse's death.
time may be approved by the worker's compensation board upon the
filing of a petition by the employer or the employer's insurance carrier
that sets forth:
(1) the extraordinary circumstances that have precluded a
determination of liability within the initial sixty (60) days;
(2) the status of the investigation on the date the petition is filed;
(3) the facts or circumstances that are necessary to make a
determination; and
(4) a timetable for the completion of the remaining investigation.
An employer who fails to comply with this section is subject to a civil
penalty of fifty dollars ($50), to be assessed and collected by the board
upon notice and hearing. Civil penalties collected under this section
shall be deposited in the state general fund.
(b) Once begun, temporary total disability benefits may not be
terminated by the employer unless:
(1) the employee has returned to work;
(2) the employee has died;
(3) the employee has refused to undergo a medical examination
under section 20 of this chapter;
(4) the employee has received five hundred (500) weeks of
temporary total disability benefits or has been paid the maximum
compensation allowable under section 19 of this chapter; or
(5) the employee is unable or unavailable to work for reasons
unrelated to the compensable disease.
In all other cases the employer must notify the employee in writing of
the employer's intent to terminate the payment of temporary total
disability benefits, and of the availability of employment, if any, on a
form approved by the board. If the employee disagrees with the
proposed termination, the employee must give written notice of
disagreement to the board and the employer within seven (7) days after
receipt of the notice of intent to terminate benefits. If the board and
employer do not receive a notice of disagreement under this section,
the employee's temporary total disability benefits shall be terminated.
Upon receipt of the notice of disagreement, the board shall immediately
contact the parties, which may be by telephone or other means and
attempt to resolve the disagreement. If the board is unable to resolve
the disagreement within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice of
disagreement, the board shall immediately arrange for an evaluation of
the employee by an independent medical examiner. The independent
medical examiner shall be selected by mutual agreement of the parties
or, if the parties are unable to agree, appointed by the board under
IC 22-3-4-11. If the independent medical examiner determines that the
employee is no longer temporarily disabled or is still temporarily
disabled but can return to employment that the employer has made
available to the employee, or if the employee fails or refuses to appear
for examination by the independent medical examiner, temporary total
disability benefits may be terminated. If either party disagrees with the
opinion of the independent medical examiner, the party shall apply to
the board for a hearing under section 27 of this chapter.
(c) An employer is not required to continue the payment of
temporary total disability benefits for more than fourteen (14) days
after the employer's proposed termination date unless the independent
medical examiner determines that the employee is temporarily disabled
and unable to return to any employment that the employer has made
available to the employee.
(d) If it is determined that as a result of this section temporary total
disability benefits were overpaid, the overpayment shall be deducted
from any benefits due the employee under this section and, if there are
no benefits due the employee or the benefits due the employee do not
equal the amount of the overpayment, the employee shall be
responsible for paying any overpayment which cannot be deducted
from benefits due the employee.
(e) For disablements occurring on and after July 1, 1976, from
occupational disease resulting in temporary total disability for any work
there shall be paid to the disabled employee during the temporary total
disability weekly compensation equal to sixty-six and two-thirds
percent (66 2/3%) of the employee's average weekly wages, as defined
in section 19 of this chapter, for a period not to exceed five hundred
(500) weeks. Compensation shall be allowed for the first seven (7)
calendar days only if the disability continues for longer than twenty-one
(21) days.
(f) For disablements occurring on and after July 1, 1974, from
occupational disease resulting in temporary partial disability for work,
there shall be paid to the disabled employee during such disability a
weekly compensation equal to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66
2/3%) of the difference between the employee's average weekly wages,
as defined in section 19 of this chapter, and the weekly wages at which
the employee is actually employed after the disablement, for a period
not to exceed three hundred (300) weeks. Compensation shall be
allowed for the first seven (7) calendar days only if the disability
continues for longer than twenty-one (21) days. In case of partial
disability after the period of temporary total disability, the latter period
shall be included as a part of the maximum period allowed for partial
disability.
(g) For disabilities occurring on and after July 1, 1979, and before July 1, 1988, from occupational disease in the schedule set forth in subsection (j), the employee shall receive in addition to disability benefits, not exceeding fifty-two (52) weeks on account of the occupational disease, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the disabilities.
(h) For disabilities occurring on and after July 1, 1988, and before July 1, 1989, from occupational disease in the schedule set forth in subsection (j), the employee shall receive in addition to disability benefits, not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the occupational disease, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred sixty-six dollars ($166) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the disabilities.
(i) For disabilities occurring on and after July 1, 1989, and before July 1, 1990, from occupational disease in the schedule set forth in subsection (j), the employee shall receive in addition to disability benefits, not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the occupational disease, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed one hundred eighty-three dollars ($183) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the disabilities.
(j) For disabilities occurring on and after July 1, 1990, and before July 1, 1991, from occupational disease in the following schedule, the employee shall receive in addition to disability benefits, not exceeding seventy-eight (78) weeks on account of the occupational disease, a weekly compensation of sixty percent (60%) of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) average weekly wages, for the period stated for the disabilities.
(1) Amputations: For the loss by separation, of the thumb, sixty (60) weeks; of the index finger, forty (40) weeks; of the second finger, thirty-five (35) weeks; of the third or ring finger, thirty (30) weeks; of the fourth or little finger, twenty (20) weeks; of the hand by separation below the elbow, two hundred (200) weeks; of the arm above the elbow joint, two hundred fifty (250) weeks; of the big toe, sixty (60) weeks; of the second toe, thirty (30) weeks; of the third toe, twenty (20) weeks; of the fourth toe, fifteen (15) weeks; of the fifth or little toe, ten (10) weeks; of the foot below the knee joint, one hundred fifty (150) weeks; and of the leg above the knee joint, two hundred (200) weeks. The loss of more
than one (1) phalange of a thumb or toe shall be considered as the
loss of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of more than two (2)
phalanges of a finger shall be considered as the loss of the entire
finger. The loss of not more than one (1) phalange of a thumb or
toe shall be considered as the loss of one-half (1/2) of the thumb
or toe and compensation shall be paid for one-half (1/2) of the
period for the loss of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of not more
than two (2) phalanges of a finger shall be considered as the loss
of one-half (1/2) the finger and compensation shall be paid for
one-half (1/2) of the period for the loss of the entire finger.
(2) Loss of Use: The total permanent loss of the use of an arm,
hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange shall be considered
as the equivalent of the loss by separation of the arm, hand,
thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange and the compensation
shall be paid for the same period as for the loss thereof by
separation.
(3) Partial Loss of Use: For the permanent partial loss of the use
of an arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange,
compensation shall be paid for the proportionate loss of the use of
such arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange.
(4) For disablements for occupational disease resulting in total
permanent disability, five hundred (500) weeks.
(5) For the loss of both hands, or both feet, or the total sight of
both eyes, or any two (2) of such losses resulting from the same
disablement by occupational disease, five hundred (500) weeks.
(6) For the permanent and complete loss of vision by enucleation
of an eye or its reduction to one-tenth (1/10) of normal vision with
glasses, one hundred fifty (150) weeks, and for any other
permanent reduction of the sight of an eye, compensation shall be
paid for a period proportionate to the degree of such permanent
reduction without correction or glasses. However, when such
permanent reduction without correction or glasses would result in
one hundred percent (100%) loss of vision, but correction or
glasses would result in restoration of vision, then compensation
shall be paid for fifty percent (50%) of such total loss of vision
without glasses plus an additional amount equal to the
proportionate amount of such reduction with glasses, not to
exceed an additional fifty percent (50%).
(7) For the permanent and complete loss of hearing, two hundred
(200) weeks.
(8) In all other cases of permanent partial impairment,
compensation proportionate to the degree of such permanent
partial impairment, in the discretion of the worker's compensation
board, not exceeding five hundred (500) weeks.
(9) In all cases of permanent disfigurement, which may impair the
future usefulness or opportunities of the employee, compensation
in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not
exceeding two hundred (200) weeks, except that no compensation
shall be payable under this paragraph where compensation shall
be payable under subdivisions (1) through (8). Where
compensation for temporary total disability has been paid, this
amount of compensation shall be deducted from any
compensation due for permanent disfigurement.
(k) With respect to disablements in the following schedule occurring
on and after July 1, 1991, the employee shall receive in addition to
temporary total disability benefits, not exceeding one hundred
twenty-five (125) weeks on account of the disablement, compensation
in an amount determined under the following schedule to be paid
weekly at a rate of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the
employee's average weekly wages during the fifty-two (52) weeks
immediately preceding the week in which the disablement occurred:
(1) Amputation: For the loss by separation of the thumb, twelve
(12) degrees of permanent impairment; of the index finger, eight
(8) degrees of permanent impairment; of the second finger, seven
(7) degrees of permanent impairment; of the third or ring finger,
six (6) degrees of permanent impairment; of the fourth or little
finger, four (4) degrees of permanent impairment; of the hand by
separation below the elbow joint, forty (40) degrees of permanent
impairment; of the arm above the elbow, fifty (50) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the big toe, twelve (12) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the second toe, six (6) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the third toe, four (4) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the fourth toe, three (3) degrees of
permanent impairment; of the fifth or little toe, two (2) degrees of
permanent impairment; of separation of the foot below the knee
joint, thirty-five (35) degrees of permanent impairment; and of the
leg above the knee joint, forty-five (45) degrees of permanent
impairment.
(2) Amputations occurring on or after July 1, 1997: For the loss
by separation of any of the body parts described in subdivision (1)
on or after July 1, 1997, the dollar values per degree applying on
the date of the injury as described in subsection (l) shall be
multiplied by two (2). However, the doubling provision of this
subdivision does not apply to a loss of use that is not a loss by
separation.
(3) The loss of more than one (1) phalange of a thumb or toe shall
be considered as the loss of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of
more than two (2) phalanges of a finger shall be considered as the
loss of the entire finger. The loss of not more than one (1)
phalange of a thumb or toe shall be considered as the loss of
one-half (1/2) of the degrees of permanent impairment for the loss
of the entire thumb or toe. The loss of not more than one (1)
phalange of a finger shall be considered as the loss of one-third
(1/3) of the finger and compensation shall be paid for one-third
(1/3) of the degrees payable for the loss of the entire finger. The
loss of more than one (1) phalange of the finger but not more than
two (2) phalanges of the finger shall be considered as the loss of
one-half (1/2) of the finger and compensation shall be paid for
one-half (1/2) of the degrees payable for the loss of the entire
finger.
(4) For the loss by separation of both hands or both feet or the
total sight of both eyes or any two (2) such losses in the same
accident, one hundred (100) degrees of permanent impairment.
(5) For the permanent and complete loss of vision by enucleation
or its reduction to one-tenth (1/10) of normal vision with glasses,
thirty-five (35) degrees of permanent impairment.
(6) For the permanent and complete loss of hearing in one (1) ear,
fifteen (15) degrees of permanent impairment, and in both ears,
forty (40) degrees of permanent impairment.
(7) For the loss of one (1) testicle, ten (10) degrees of permanent
impairment; for the loss of both testicles, thirty (30) degrees of
permanent impairment.
(8) Loss of use: The total permanent loss of the use of an arm, a
hand, a thumb, a finger, a leg, a foot, a toe, or a phalange shall be
considered as the equivalent of the loss by separation of the arm,
hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange, and compensation
shall be paid in the same amount as for the loss by separation.
However, the doubling provision of subdivision (2) does not
apply to a loss of use that is not a loss by separation.
(9) Partial loss of use: For the permanent partial loss of the use of
an arm, a hand, a thumb, a finger, a leg, a foot, a toe, or a
phalange, compensation shall be paid for the proportionate loss of
the use of the arm, hand, thumb, finger, leg, foot, toe, or phalange.
(10) For disablements resulting in total permanent disability, the
amount payable for impairment or five hundred (500) weeks of
compensation, whichever is greater.
(11) For any permanent reduction of the sight of an eye less than a total loss as specified in subdivision (5), the compensation shall be paid in an amount proportionate to the degree of a permanent reduction without correction or glasses. However, when a permanent reduction without correction or glasses would result in one hundred percent (100%) loss of vision, then compensation shall be paid for fifty percent (50%) of the total loss of vision without glasses, plus an additional amount equal to the proportionate amount of the reduction with glasses, not to exceed an additional fifty percent (50%).
(12) For any permanent reduction of the hearing of one (1) or both ears, less than the total loss as specified in subdivision (6), compensation shall be paid in an amount proportionate to the degree of a permanent reduction.
(13) In all other cases of permanent partial impairment, compensation proportionate to the degree of a permanent partial impairment, in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not exceeding one hundred (100) degrees of permanent impairment.
(14) In all cases of permanent disfigurement which may impair the future usefulness or opportunities of the employee, compensation, in the discretion of the worker's compensation board, not exceeding forty (40) degrees of permanent impairment except that no compensation shall be payable under this subdivision where compensation is payable elsewhere in this section.
(l) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 1991, compensation for permanent partial impairment shall be paid according to the degree of permanent impairment for the disablement determined under subsection (k) and the following:
(1) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 1991, and before July 1, 1992, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to thirty-five (35), five hundred dollars ($500) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), nine hundred dollars ($900) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per degree.
(2) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 1992, and before July 1, 1993, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to twenty (20), five hundred dollars ($500) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from twenty-one (21) to thirty-five (35), eight hundred dollars ($800)
per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from
thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), one thousand three hundred dollars
($1,300) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
above fifty (50), one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per
degree.
(3) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
1993, and before July 1, 1997, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), five hundred dollars ($500)
per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven
(11) to twenty (20), seven hundred dollars ($700) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment from twenty-one (21) to
thirty-five (35), one thousand dollars ($1,000) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty
(50), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), one
thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(4) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
1997, and before July 1, 1998, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), seven hundred fifty dollars
($750) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from
eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand dollars ($1,000) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six
(36) to fifty (50), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50),
one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(5) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
1998, and before July 1, 1999, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), seven hundred fifty dollars
($750) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from
eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand dollars ($1,000) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six
(36) to fifty (50), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50),
one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700) per degree.
(6) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
1999, and before July 1, 2000, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), nine hundred dollars ($900)
per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven
(11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand one hundred dollars
($1,100) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), one thousand six hundred dollars
($1,600) per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment
above fifty (50), two thousand dollars ($2,000) per degree.
(7) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
2000, and before July 1, 2001, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand one hundred
dollars ($1,100) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand
three hundred dollars ($1,300) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand dollars ($2,000) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment above fifty (50), two thousand five
hundred fifty dollars ($2,500) ($2,550) per degree.
(8) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
2001, and before July 1, 2007, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred
dollars ($1,300) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five
hundred dollars ($1,500) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand four hundred dollars ($2,400) per degree; for each
degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three thousand
dollars ($3,000) per degree.
(9) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
2007, and before July 1, 2008, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred
forty dollars ($1,340) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five
hundred forty-five dollars ($1,545) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand four hundred seventy-five dollars ($2,475) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three
thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($3,150) per degree.
(10) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
2008, and before July 1, 2009, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred
sixty-five dollars ($1,365) per degree; for each degree of
permanent impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one
thousand five hundred seventy dollars ($1,570) per degree; for
each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty
(50), two thousand five hundred twenty-five dollars ($2,525) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty (50),
three thousand two hundred dollars ($3,200) per degree.
(11) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
2009, and before July 1, 2010, for each degree of permanent
impairment from one (1) to ten (10), one thousand three hundred
eighty dollars ($1,380) per degree; for each degree of permanent
impairment from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35), one thousand five
hundred eighty-five dollars ($1,585) per degree; for each degree
of permanent impairment from thirty-six (36) to fifty (50), two
thousand six hundred dollars ($2,600) per degree; for each degree
of permanent impairment above fifty (50), three thousand three
hundred dollars ($3,300) per degree.
(12) With respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1,
2010, for each degree of permanent impairment from one (1) to
ten (10), one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per degree;
for each degree of permanent impairment from eleven (11) to
thirty-five (35), one thousand six hundred dollars ($1,600) per
degree; for each degree of permanent impairment from thirty-six
(36) to fifty (50), two thousand seven hundred dollars ($2,700)
per degree; for each degree of permanent impairment above fifty
(50), three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500) per degree.
(m) The average weekly wages used in the determination of
compensation for permanent partial impairment under subsections (k)
and (l) shall not exceed the following:
(1) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1991, and before July 1, 1992, four hundred ninety-two dollars
($492).
(2) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1992, and before July 1, 1993, five hundred forty dollars ($540).
(3) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1993, and before July 1, 1994, five hundred ninety-one dollars
($591).
(4) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1994, and before July 1, 1997, six hundred forty-two dollars
($642).
(5) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1997, and before July 1, 1998, six hundred seventy-two dollars
($672).
(6) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1998, and before July 1, 1999, seven hundred two dollars ($702).
(7) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
1999, and before July 1, 2000, seven hundred thirty-two dollars
($732).
(8) With respect to disablements occurring on or after July 1,
2000, and before July 1, 2001, seven hundred sixty-two dollars
($762).
(9) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2001, and
before July 1, 2002, eight hundred twenty-two dollars ($822).
(10) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2002,
and before July 1, 2006, eight hundred eighty-two dollars ($882).
(11) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2006,
and before July 1, 2007, nine hundred dollars ($900).
(12) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2007,
and before July 1, 2008, nine hundred thirty dollars ($930).
(13) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2008,
and before July 1, 2009, nine hundred fifty-four dollars ($954).
(14) With respect to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2009,
nine hundred seventy-five dollars ($975).
(n) If any employee, only partially disabled, refuses employment
suitable to the employee's capacity procured for the employee, the
employee shall not be entitled to any compensation at any time during
the continuance of such refusal unless, in the opinion of the worker's
compensation board, such refusal was justifiable. The employee must
be served with a notice setting forth the consequences of the refusal
under this subsection. The notice must be in a form prescribed by the
worker's compensation board.
(o) If an employee has sustained a permanent impairment or
disability from an accidental injury other than an occupational disease
in another employment than that in which the employee suffered a
subsequent disability from an occupational disease, such as herein
specified, the employee shall be entitled to compensation for the
subsequent disability in the same amount as if the previous impairment
or disability had not occurred. However, if the permanent impairment
or disability resulting from an occupational disease for which
compensation is claimed results only in the aggravation or increase of
a previously sustained permanent impairment from an occupational
disease or physical condition regardless of the source or cause of such
previously sustained impairment from an occupational disease or
physical condition, the board shall determine the extent of the
previously sustained permanent impairment from an occupational
disease or physical condition as well as the extent of the aggravation or
increase resulting from the subsequent permanent impairment or
disability, and shall award compensation only for that part of said
occupational disease or physical condition resulting from the
subsequent permanent impairment. An amputation of any part of the
body or loss of any or all of the vision of one (1) or both eyes caused by
an occupational disease shall be considered as a permanent impairment
or physical condition.
(p) If an employee suffers a disablement from an occupational
disease for which compensation is payable while the employee is still
receiving or entitled to compensation for a previous injury by accident
or disability by occupational disease in the same employment, the
employee shall not at the same time be entitled to compensation for
both, unless it be for a permanent injury, such as specified in
subsection (k)(1), (k)(4), (k)(5), (k)(8), or (k)(9), but the employee shall
be entitled to compensation for that disability and from the time of that
disability which will cover the longest period and the largest amount
payable under this chapter.
(q) If an employee receives a permanent disability from an
occupational disease such as specified in subsection (k)(1), (k)(4),
(k)(5), (k)(8), or (k)(9) after having sustained another such permanent
disability in the same employment the employee shall be entitled to
compensation for both such disabilities, but the total compensation
shall be paid by extending the period and not by increasing the amount
of weekly compensation and, when such previous and subsequent
permanent disabilities, in combination result in total permanent
disability or permanent total impairment, compensation shall be
payable for such permanent total disability or impairment, but
payments made for the previous disability or impairment shall be
deducted from the total payment of compensation due.
(r) When an employee has been awarded or is entitled to an award
of compensation for a definite period from an occupational disease
wherein disablement occurs on and after April 1, 1963, and such
employee dies from other causes than such occupational disease,
payment of the unpaid balance of such compensation not exceeding
three hundred fifty (350) weeks shall be paid to the employee's
dependents of the second and third class as defined in sections 11
through 14 of this chapter, and, except as provided by section 11.5 of
this chapter, compensation, not exceeding five hundred (500) weeks
shall be made to the employee's dependents of the first class as defined
in sections 11 through 14 of this chapter.
(s) Any payment made by the employer to the employee during the
period of the employee's disability, or to the employee's dependents,
which, by the terms of this chapter, was not due and payable when
made, may, subject to the approval of the worker's compensation board,
be deducted from the amount to be paid as compensation, but such
deduction shall be made from the distal end of the period during which
compensation must be paid, except in cases of temporary disability.
(t) When so provided in the compensation agreement or in the
award of the worker's compensation board, compensation may be paid
semimonthly, or monthly, instead of weekly.
(u) When the aggregate payments of compensation awarded by
agreement or upon hearing to an employee or dependent under eighteen
(18) years of age do not exceed one hundred dollars ($100), the
payment thereof may be made directly to such employee or dependent,
except when the worker's compensation board shall order otherwise.
(v) Whenever the aggregate payments of compensation, due to any
person under eighteen (18) years of age, exceed one hundred dollars
($100), the payment thereof shall be made to a trustee, appointed by the
circuit or superior court, or to a duly qualified guardian, or, upon the
order of the worker's compensation board, to a parent or to such minor
person. The payment of compensation, due to any person eighteen (18)
years of age or over, may be made directly to such person.
(w) If an employee, or a dependent, is mentally incompetent, or a
minor at the time when any right or privilege accrues to the employee
under this chapter, the employee's guardian or trustee may, in the
employee's behalf, claim and exercise such right and privilege.
(x) All compensation payments named and provided for in this
section, shall mean and be defined to be for only such occupational
diseases and disabilities therefrom as are proved by competent
evidence, of which there are or have been objective conditions or
symptoms proven, not within the physical or mental control of the
employee.
(1) not more than two hundred sixty-seven dollars ($267); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(b) In computing compensation for temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1986, and before July 1, 1988, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than two hundred eighty-five dollars ($285); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(c) In computing compensation for temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1988, and before
July 1, 1989, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than three hundred eighty-four dollars ($384); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(d) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect
to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1989, and before
July 1, 1990, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than four hundred eleven dollars ($411); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(e) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect
to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1990, and before
July 1, 1991, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than four hundred forty-one dollars ($441); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(f) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect
to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1991, and before
July 1, 1992, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than four hundred ninety-two dollars ($492); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(g) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect
to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1992, and before
July 1, 1993, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than five hundred forty dollars ($540); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(h) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, with respect
to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1993, and before
July 1, 1994, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than five hundred ninety-one dollars ($591); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(i) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability and total permanent disability, with respect
to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1994, and before
July 1, 1997, the average weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) not more than six hundred forty-two dollars ($642); and
(2) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(j) In computing compensation for temporary total disability,
temporary partial disability, and total permanent disability, the average
weekly wages are considered to be:
(1) with respect to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1997, and before July 1, 1998:
(A) not more than six hundred seventy-two dollars ($672); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(2) with respect to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1998, and before July 1, 1999:
(A) not more than seven hundred two dollars ($702); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(3) with respect to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 1999, and before July 1, 2000:
(A) not more than seven hundred thirty-two dollars ($732); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(4) with respect to occupational diseases occurring on and after July 1, 2000, and before July 1, 2001:
(A) not more than seven hundred sixty-two dollars ($762); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(5) with respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2001, and before July 1, 2002:
(A) not more than eight hundred twenty-two dollars ($822); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(6) with respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2002, and before July 1, 2006:
(A) not more than eight hundred eighty-two dollars ($882); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(7) with respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2007:
(A) not more than nine hundred dollars ($900); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars ($75);
(8) with respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2007, and before July 1, 2008:
(A) not more than nine hundred thirty dollars ($930); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars. ($75);
(9) with respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009:
(A) not more than nine hundred fifty-four dollars ($954); and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars. ($75);
(10) with respect to disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2009:
(A) not more than nine hundred seventy-five dollars ($975);
and
(B) not less than seventy-five dollars. ($75).
(k) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1985, and before July 1, 1986, which
shall be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under the
provisions of this chapter or under any combination of its provisions
may not exceed eighty-nine thousand dollars ($89,000) in any case.
(l) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1986, and before July 1, 1988, which
shall be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under the
provisions of this chapter or under any combination of its provisions
may not exceed ninety-five thousand dollars ($95,000) in any case.
(m) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1988, and before July 1, 1989, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of its provisions may not exceed one
hundred twenty-eight thousand dollars ($128,000) in any case.
(n) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1989, and before July 1, 1990, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of its provisions may not exceed one
hundred thirty-seven thousand dollars ($137,000) in any case.
(o) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1990, and before July 1, 1991, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of its provisions may not exceed one
hundred forty-seven thousand dollars ($147,000) in any case.
(p) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1991, and before July 1, 1992, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of the provisions of this chapter may
not exceed one hundred sixty-four thousand dollars ($164,000) in any
case.
(q) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1992, and before July 1, 1993, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of the provisions of this chapter may
not exceed one hundred eighty thousand dollars ($180,000) in any case.
(r) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1993, and before July 1, 1994, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of the provisions of this chapter may
not exceed one hundred ninety-seven thousand dollars ($197,000) in
any case.
(s) The maximum compensation with respect to disability or death
occurring on and after July 1, 1994, and before July 1, 1997, that shall
be paid for occupational disease and the results thereof under this
chapter or under any combination of the provisions of this chapter may
not exceed two hundred fourteen thousand dollars ($214,000) in any
case.
(t) The maximum compensation that shall be paid for occupational
disease and the results of an occupational disease under this chapter or
under any combination of the provisions of this chapter may not exceed
the following amounts in any case:
(1) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 1997, and before July 1, 1998, two hundred twenty-four
thousand dollars ($224,000).
(2) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 1998, and before July 1, 1999, two hundred thirty-four
thousand dollars ($234,000).
(3) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 1999, and before July 1, 2000, two hundred forty-four thousand
dollars ($244,000).
(4) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 2000, and before July 1, 2001, two hundred fifty-four thousand
dollars ($254,000).
(5) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 2001, and before July 1, 2002, two hundred seventy-four
thousand dollars ($274,000).
(6) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 2002, and before July 1, 2006, two hundred ninety-four
thousand dollars ($294,000).
(7) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 2006, and before July 1, 2007, three hundred thousand dollars
($300,000).
(8) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 2007, and before July 1, 2008, three hundred ten thousand
dollars ($310,000).
(9) With respect to disability or death occurring on and after July
1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009, three hundred eighteen thousand
dollars ($318,000).
(10) With respect to disability or death occurring on or after July
1, 2009, three hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($325,000).
(u) For all disabilities occurring on and after July 1, 1985, "average
weekly wages" means the earnings of the injured employee during the
period of fifty-two (52) weeks immediately preceding the disability
divided by fifty-two (52). If the employee lost seven (7) or more
calendar days during the period, although not in the same week, then
the earnings for the remainder of the fifty-two (52) weeks shall be
divided by the number of weeks and parts of weeks remaining after the
time lost has been deducted. If employment before the date of disability
extended over a period of less than fifty-two (52) weeks, the method of
dividing the earnings during that period by the number of weeks and
parts of weeks during which the employee earned wages shall be
followed if results just and fair to both parties will be obtained. If by
reason of the shortness of the time during which the employee has been
in the employment of the employer or of the casual nature or terms of
the employment it is impracticable to compute the average weekly
wages for the employee, the employee's average weekly wages shall be
considered to be the average weekly amount that, during the fifty-two
(52) weeks before the date of disability, was being earned by a person
in the same grade employed at the same work by the same employer or,
if there is no person so employed, by a person in the same grade
employed in that same class of employment in the same district.
Whenever allowances of any character are made to an employee
instead of wages or a specified part of the wage contract, they shall be
considered a part of the employee's earnings.
(v) Except as provided by section 11.5 of this chapter, the
provisions of this article may not be construed to result in an award of
benefits in which the number of weeks paid or to be paid for temporary
total disability, temporary partial disability, or permanent total
disability benefits combined exceeds five hundred (500) weeks. This
section shall not be construed to prevent a person from applying for an
award under IC 22-3-3-13. However, in case of permanent total
disability resulting from a disablement occurring on or after January 1,
1998, the minimum total benefit shall not be less than seventy-five
thousand dollars ($75,000).
