While insurers deal with workers' compensation claims day in and day out, many injured employees have no experience dealing with the workers' compensation system. As a result, the terms and abbreviations used in the paperwork and filing can be confusing—and costly if you don’t understand them. 
Acronyms and Abbreviations in a Workers’ Comp Claim
Many injured workers are first confronted with workers’ comp acronyms when they discover the different categories of workers’ compensation disability benefits, such as temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent partial disability (PPD). However, the internal lingo doesn’t end there. It is important to know what these abbreviations stand for to collect the maximum amount of your benefits.
Some common abbreviations used in workers’ compensation claims include:
ALJ (administrative law judge).
If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, this is the person who will hear the appeal.
AWW (average weekly wage).
This is the injured employee’s previous year’s earnings divided by 52. In Rhode Island, workers’ comp benefits are 75% of the worker’s AWW.
FCE (functional capacity evaluation).
This is a physical examination that tests a worker’s ability to perform job-related motions and tasks such as lifting, sitting, standing, bending, and walking.
FROI (first report of injury).
The FROI is the official start date of the workers’ compensation claim. The worker reports the injury to the employer, and the employer files a FROI with the state workers’ compensation agency.
IME (independent medical examination).
Workers may be asked to undergo this examination, which is administered by a doctor chosen by the insurance company. The exam may be used to assess a worker’s condition, determine if there are any long-term or permanent effects of injury, and dispute medical evidence provided by the treating physician.
IR (impairment rating).
If an employee’s injuries have healed but he’s still impaired, the treating physician will assign an impairment rating to the body areas impacted by the injury.
MMI (maximum medical improvement).
The point of maximum medical improvement is reached when the employee’s condition is not expected to improve with further treatment.
Have You Been Injured On The Job In Rhode Island?
If you've been hurt at work you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help work injury victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.
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