Indiana Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026
Understand notice, employer-directed medical care, wage benefits, SF 29109 disputes, termination objections, and deadlines.
Report immediately and preserve written notice
Tell the employer, supervisor, or foreman immediately. The Board warns that waiting more than 30 days may lead to denial. Indiana Code requires written notice as soon as practicable unless the employer already has actual knowledge; delayed notice can postpone compensation and prejudice can affect recovery.
Most businesses must maintain workers’ compensation coverage, subject to statutory exclusions and filed independent-contractor exemptions. Coverage begins on the employee’s first day rather than after a probationary period.
The employer generally directs medical care
Indiana’s Board states that the employer directs medical treatment. Communicate before changing providers or arranging non-emergency care because unauthorized treatment can create a payment dispute. The employee is generally not liable for authorized care covered by the Act.
When the carrier sends State Form 38911, the worker generally has seven days after receiving the termination notice to give written disagreement to the Board and employer. The form can preserve or request a Board independent medical examination.
Temporary and permanent benefits
TTD generally pays two-thirds of the statutory AWW basis, subject to the injury-period maximum and the rule that compensation cannot exceed actual AWW. TPD uses two-thirds of the difference between the statutory wage basis and reduced earnings and is limited to 300 weeks, including preceding TTD when applicable. TTD can continue up to 500 weeks or until another statutory termination event.
The first seven days are a waiting period and become payable when disability lasts 21 days. Permanent partial impairment uses medical degrees and tiered dollar values. PTD, death benefits, mileage, vocational rehabilitation, and the overall nonmedical compensation cap follow separate rules.
File SF 29109 to start a formal dispute
Unresolved disputes proceed through an Application for Adjustment of Claim, State Form 29109. The Board states that the application generally must be filed within two years of injury. When TTD or TPD was paid, the statute can run from the last date for which compensation was paid.
A Single Hearing Member decides contested issues. An Application for Review by Full Board, SF 1042, generally must be initiated within 30 days after the award. Other forms and events have different deadlines.
Board assistance and common questions
The Ombudsman Division offers informal dispute assistance, but the Board cannot give claim-specific legal advice. A worker may proceed without counsel, while a corporation must be represented by counsel in Board proceedings.
Can I use my own doctor?
The employer generally directs care. Contact the employer and Board before obtaining non-emergency treatment outside the authorized path.
Does the First Report file my dispute?
No. The employer/carrier reporting process is different from the worker’s SF 29109 Application for Adjustment of Claim.
Can I receive unemployment and workers’ compensation together?
The Board states that workers’ compensation and unemployment cannot be received at the same time; other benefits may create offsets.