2024 How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in California?

Mar 29, 2023 | Workers Compensation

No matter how careful you are, workplace injuries or illnesses can happen to anyone. You may slip and fall at work, an aspect of your work environment may make you sick, or a machine malfunction could hurt you. If you have been injured at work, you deserve the appropriate support and resources so that you receive compensation.

The accomplished team at Barry Law Group can work with you throughout the entire filing process. With over 30 years of combined experience, we know how to help our clients end their claims successfully. Filing for workers’ compensation benefits can be difficult and take a great deal of time, so an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make it easier.

California Workers’ Compensation Basics

Workers’ compensation is intended to protect workers and help pay for any medical costs that are incurred by a workplace injury. The law requires every employer to make sure the work environment for their employees is healthy and safe. Paying for workers’ compensation benefits is a major part of maintaining that work environment. They also must have the proper documentation and paperwork available for employees who must file a workers’ compensation claim.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The process to file for workers’ compensation benefits can be stressful and time consung. Working with an accomplished California workers’ compensation attorney can give you peace of mind that your claim is filed correctly and that you are given the settlement you deserve. An attorney can also guide you through the five initial steps of the process.

1. Informing your employer. It is essential that you inform your employer as soon as you realize you need medical attention. This could be immediately following an accident or illness at work or when you realize that long-term exposure to some environmental factor has made you ill. They will have the necessary paperwork for you to complete.
2. Receiving necessary medical care. Getting the medical care you need to heal and recover properly is essential. This should be taken care of immediately after you have informed your employer that you are sick or injured and need medical attention.
3. Tell your doctor about your workplace injury. When you find a doctor to treat you, it is important that you inform them your injury is work related. They can provide you with the necessary documentation to make your claim process easier.
4. Fill out a claim form. Once your employer has been informed that you are injured or ill, they have 24 hours to provide you with the necessary claim form. This should be readily available, and you should have no retaliation for it since the employer is required to cover workers’ compensation benefits.
5. Contact a California workers’ compensation attorney. When you have informed your employer and received the medical care you need, the next step should be to find an accomplished workers’ compensation attorney. They will be able to guide you through the next steps of the process and help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

If you are facing an illness or injury that is a direct result of your work environment, you are entitled to support and compensation to keep you on your feet until you can return to work. The process of receiving these things is not always easy, but an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney from Barry Law Group can work with you to help you get the settlement you deserve.

FAQs About Workers’ Compensation in California

How Long Does Workers’ Compensation Have to Pay You in CA?

Workers’ compensation benefits were put in place to help injured or sick workers return to work as quickly as possible, so long as they are healthy. Under ideal circumstances, you will receive workers’ compensation benefits or short-term disability for the shortest amount of time possible. If your illness or injury proves to be more severe, however, you may receive benefits for up to 104 weeks.

How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay in CA?

Each workers’ compensation settlement in California will be different. Several factors impact the overall amount of the settlement, including the severity of injuries, the amount of medical care that was needed, and how much time you had to be away from work. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can work with you to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve, based on the specifics of your claim.

Do I Get Full Pay If I Am Injured at Work?

The amount of pay that you receive while navigating a workers’ compensation claim will vary. In most cases, the settlement you receive will be enough to cover any medical expenses you incurred while recovering from your injury. Many individuals who file a workers’ compensation claim in California also qualify for short-term disability benefits. These benefits likely will not cover your full pay, but they will cover at least two-thirds of the pay you received prior to your injury. The highest amount short-term benefits will pay is up to $1,600 per week.

Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation in CA?

It is possible to continue working while you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits in California. Certain conditions must be met, and, in many cases, your medical care team will help determine when you can return to work. You may need accommodations when you first return, such as equipment to make your job easier, or your doctor may recommend lighter duties. Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to help you return to work as quickly as possible, so they may expire when you are cleared to return to work fully.

Contact Barry Law Group Today

Recovering from an injury or illness can be difficult because your typical routine is thrown off, and you must rebuild your strength. Illnesses or injuries that are a result of your work environment can complicate things because then you may face a legal battle. Whether you have been injured at work or developed an illness due to long-term exposure, it is important that you have the proper support throughout the process. The team at Barry Law Group is here to help and will work with you so you receive the proper settlement. Contact our team today for all of your workers’ compensation needs.