In this continuing series about the open and active phase of a workers' compensation claim, today I am going to discuss a benefit many injured workers are surprised to learn exists: Loss of Earning Power benefits. Earning power refers to a worker’s ability to earn income as a result of labor. If an injured worker’s ability to earn income has been reduced because of an industrial injury or occupational disease, the worker may be entitled to LEP benefits under the claim. However, for LEP to be payable, two conditions must be met: (1) The injured worker’s loss of earnings must be greater than 5% of wages at the time of injury; and (2) Medical certification must indicate that the worker’s loss of earning capacity is due to the industrial injury or occupational disease... Continue to read the full article.