Disability and Leave Resources: Workplace Injuries and Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

Disability and Leave

Frequently Asked Questions

For Employees

What is a physician certification and how much detail must it include?

A physician certification is a note that confirms your need for time off work due to a medical issue. You may present a memo from your physician or use the Department of Labor form. Please note, if you participate in the USC disability program, you will be sent separate documents that must be completed in addition to the memo provided to our office.

I want to work as far as possible into my pregnancy. What do I do in terms of providing the office with the physician certification?

Do I need to provide any documentation to the Leave Administrator prior to returning to work?

For Managers

My employee has requested to use a combination of sick and vacation time to cover his/her unpaid wait period. Is this allowed?

My employee experienced a workplace injury. What is my responsibility as a manager?

My employee has exhausted all of their leave entitlement and has not been released to return to work. What are my options?

My employee has returned to work with restrictions however he/she is complaining about not being able to perform them. What are my responsibilities as a manager?

Questions or Concerns

For additional questions about leaves, disability, worker’s compensation, and other types of time away, contact:

Contact us:
Erika Jimenez, Employee Relations Consultant/Leaves Administrator
emjimene@usc.edu
(213)-821-3186