Thousands of people in California report to their jobs everyday. Their goal is to earn a livelihood that will support them personally and often their family as well. Unfortunately, many people are injured in workplace accidents every year, requiring medical treatment and potentially preventing them from returning to their job. Those people may qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits.
California law requires employers to provide these insurance benefits for employees. While most people think of an injury as occurring from a single event, such as a fall or burn, many suffer from an injury caused by performing the same repetitive motion over the course of time. Both qualify for compensation. However, there are guidelines in place that must be followed. For example, an injury must be reported to an employer within 30 days to allow for a proper investigation of the claim.
There are five different types of compensation. First, an injured worker can receive compensation for necessary medical care. If an accident results in a fatality, the worker’s dependent family members are likely entitled to death benefits. Additionally, an injured worker could receive benefits related to loss of wages, including temporary disability and permanent disability. Supplemental job displacement provides for training if a worker is unable to return to his or her original position due to injuries suffered.
The workers’ compensation process can become overwhelming for an injured worker in California suffering from a severe disability or a family mourning the loss of a loved one. As a result, there are experienced professionals available to provide guidance through the process. By seeking the help of an experienced attorney, those who may be entitled to compensation can help ensure they are treated fairly and efficiently.
Source: dir.ca.gov, “Answers to frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation for employees“, Accessed on June 5, 2015