If you have been injured at work, your injuries may prevent you from working for several months. In California, workers may file a claim for workers’ compensation to receive financial support and medical benefits after a work-related injury or illness. Workers’ comp can give workers peace of mind while they recover, while also protecting employers from lawsuits.
Workers’ compensation covers several types of benefits in California, including:
- Medical benefits: Medical benefits cover the costs of necessary treatment related to the work-related injury or illness, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Temporary disability benefits: If a worker cannot perform their job due to an illness or injury, they may be able to recover a portion of their lost wages as temporary disability (TD) benefits. Generally, TD benefits will cover two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wages up to the maximum allowed by law and will last until the worker is able to return to work or has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Permanent disability benefits: Workers with long-lasting or permanent impairments may be entitled to permanent disability (PD) benefits. The amount received will depend on the severity of the impairment and the worker’s ability to work in the future.
- Job displacement/return-to-work: Injured workers who are no longer able to return to their previous job may qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits may include assistance with finding a new job and retraining.
- Death benefits: If a worker’s work-related injury or illness resulted in their death, the dependents may recover death benefits to cover funeral expenses. They may also receive financial support for surviving family members.
Worker’s compensation benefits in California are intended to support employees who suffered an injury or illness related to their job, as well as the relatives of employees who died due to workplace injuries and illnesses.