Workers’ Compensation Insurance is designed to provide specific medical care and replace some lost income to employees who’ve been hurt on the job. But to get workers comp benefits, you need to follow the rules.
In California, the Department of Industrial Relations oversees those rules and regulations. Learn more about workers’ comp and what you need to do to get your benefits if you’ve been injured at work in Riverside, CA.
California Workers’ Compensation Quick Facts
California state law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re injured while performing your job and your employer doesn’t have work comp insurance, you can sue them directly.
The Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund provides benefits to injured workers who cannot get them from their employer.
Review these other quick facts about California Workers’ Comp:
Covered injuries include single events and long-term exposure, as well as illnesses.
Medical care covers treatment of the work injury. It includes physician visits, diagnostic tests, medication, necessary medical equipment, and reasonable travel expenses related to treatment.
Wage replacement is two-thirds of your gross income, with a maximum limit set by the state and adjusted yearly.
Wage benefits may be temporary during recovery or permanent if complete recovery doesn’t happen.
Workers’ comp provides vouchers to workers with permanent injuries for job training or skill enhancement.
Dependents like spouses and children receive death benefits from workers’ comp if their spouse, parent, or guardian dies from a work injury or illness.
Steps to Filing a Workers Comp Claim
Notifying your employer of your illness or injury is the first step to getting benefits. Here are the steps you need to take:
If you’re in an accident, tell your manager or supervisor as soon as possible, even if you don’t believe you’re injured.
If you’ve been feeling ill from a work-related situation or believe you are suffering from a gradual injury, like carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss, report your symptoms to your employer as soon as you notice them.
Seek medical attention after a work accident and as soon as you identify a possible work injury or illness. If your employer doesn’t send you to a medical provider, see one independently. Be sure to tell the provider that your injury or illness is work-related.
Upon notifying your manager of your injury, they must provide you with a DWC 1 claim form within one business day. Complete the form and return it to your employer to file a workers’ comp claim and request benefits.
Continue receiving medical care for your injury and follow your doctor’s orders to support maximum recovery.
Talk to an attorney if your employer and his insurer are fighting your workers’ comp claim.
Recovering Maximum Benefits for Your Riverside Work Injury
Remember that Workers’ Comp only pays for your injury-related medical expenses and partial lost wages. It doesn’t address pain and suffering, nor many of the other losses and damages that your severe injury can cause to you and your family. But you may be able to recover financial compensation through other means.
A personal injury attorney in Riverside can assess your case and help determine whether you can pursue a personal injury claim.