C
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition caused by the compression of the median
nerve in the carpal tunnel (passage within wrist) and characterized by discomfort and
disturbances of sensation in the hand.
Chiropractic: A system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of
normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body
structures (such as the spinal column). A doctor in this therapy is a Chiropractor.
Claimant: A person making a demand for compensation of some type.
COLA: Cost of Living Adjustment that applies to an employee receiving benefits under
Section 35A (Permanent and Total).
Coming and Going Rule: General rule that employees that are insured while in
transit to or from a fixed place of work are not covered by Workers' Compensation.
Compensable Injury: A personal injury preventing an employee from returning to
the work site and falling under a State's Workers' Compensation legal definition of an
acceptable Workers' Compensation claim.
Compensation: Payments made to an insured party as dictated under a Workers'
Compensation policy and State and Federal laws.
Compensation Rate: The rate of payment of Workers' Compensation benefits to an
injured party based on previous earnings.
Conciliation: The first step in the litigation process to settle the claim by having the
parties meet informally and resolve the issue.
Concurrent Employment: Being employed by two different employers at the same
time. Sometimes a determinant when calculating Workers' Compensation benefits for
an injured party.
Conference: Sometimes referred to as Dispute Resolution, an informal conference
held before a Judge and subject to the rules of evidence. The parties are represented
by attorneys and the parties need to identify all the issues that are in the dispute.
Cumulative Trauma: Any physical or psychological disability that results from the
combined effects of repeated injuries or illnesses. Although each injury or illness may
be minor at the time it occurs, the cumulative effect over time can lead to claims for
physical or psychological disabilities.
