Workers Compensation
Coverage
Employees of the University, including student workers, are covered by worker's
compensation for injuries incurred while engaged in regularly assigned duties.
Claims are processed in accordance with the State of Indiana Worker's
Compensation Statutes. Benefits received for injuries depend on the nature of
the injury, the duration and extent of disability, and the cost of medical and
surgical expenses.
All accidents must be reported to the immediate supervisor of the injured
employee within 24 hours. An
Injury/Illness Report Form should be completed by Security, and/or the
supervisor and forwarded to the Human Resources Department.
Medical
Care for Injuries
The USI Student Health Center, located on the lower level of the Health
Professions Center, is the primary Worker's Compensation medical facility for
the University. If more than first aid is required, the employee should be sent
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to the Student Health Center. If an
employee needs treatment during the hours in which the student Health Center is
closed, the employee should be referred to Deaconess Comp Center, 329 W.
Columbia Street, Evansville, IN 47710 (located across the street from Deaconess
Emergency Room). Their phone number is 450-7455. However, if the injury or illness is such that
hospital treatment is needed immediately, or during hours in which the Student
Health Center and Deaconess Comp Center are closed, the employee
should be sent to Deaconess Hospital, 600 Mary Street. (If an employee receives
treatment from any place other than the authorized facilities, the University of
Southern Indiana may not be responsible for the charges.) All statements
covering physician and/or medical expenses resulting from the injury should be
forwarded to the Human Resources Department.
Compensation
After the worker's compensation claim has been reviewed by the insurance
carrier, payment of the medical bills and temporary total disability
compensation may be granted. The Human Resources Department or insurance carrier
will advise the employee of the status of his case by letter, showing the amount
of compensation payable under the law. The employee may choose to receive full
pay during the seven calendar day waiting period by using accrued sick leave,
vacation, or compensatory time. After the initial seven days, worker’s
compensation pay, which is equivalent to two-thirds of full pay, will begin. The
department supervisor is required to advise the Human Resources Department when
an injured employee under worker's compensation returns to work, the number of
lost work days, and any restricted work activity. Prior to returning to work, a
signed physician’s release form should be forwarded to the Human Resources
Department.
Worker's
Compensation Injury/Accident Report Form