Beyond your recovery, you may have to deal with medical bills, lost income and changes to your ability to work. Knowing what California workers’ compensation covers can help you take the right steps from the start.
Benefits that can support you after a work injury
California workers’ compensation may provide several forms of support, depending on your injury and circumstances:
- Medical treatment: Workers’ compensation may cover reasonable medical care related to your work injury and recovery.
- Temporary disability benefits: If your injury keeps you from working during recovery, you may receive a portion of your lost wages.
- Permanent disability benefits: A lasting work-related injury may qualify you for payments based on the impact it has on your ability to work.
- Job retraining: If you cannot return to your former job because of your injury, you may qualify for a voucher to help with approved training.
These benefits can help you manage the financial challenges that may follow a workplace injury.
Protecting your claim from the start
After a work injury, report it to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical care. Your employer or claims administrator generally has 90 days to accept or deny your claim. Keep records of your treatment, time away from work and claim-related documents so you can track your benefits and address any issues.
Your options after a workers’ comp dispute
Sometimes, you may disagree with a decision about your workers’ compensation claim or benefits. If the insurer denies your claim, stops your benefits or makes a medical treatment decision you disagree with, you can take steps to challenge it.
California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation allows you to request help from the Information and Assistance Unit or file a case with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). You have options that can help you respond instead of feeling stuck when something goes wrong with your claim.
Finding stability after a work injury
Understanding your workers’ compensation benefits and reporting requirements from the start can make a significant difference in how your claim proceeds. If your claim is delayed or disputed, you have specific options under California law, including resources through the Division of Workers’ Compensation and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Acting on those options early, rather than waiting, can help in protecting your benefits during recovery.