GQ Corner

Q. I received a DWC-51 requesting to commute impairment income benefits, and the employer qualifies. How long do I have to decide whether to approve or deny?

A. You have 14 days to review the request. If you decide to deny, the denial must specifically state the reasons. If you decide to approve, the approval must contain the payment.

Q. The claimant died in a compensable accident, but the accident happened in another state. Is the insurance carrier required to transport the body back to Texas?

A. Yes. According to section 408.186(b), the insurance carrier must pay the reasonable cost of transporting the body, not to exceed to the cost of transporting the body to the deceased employee’s usual place of business.