If you have been injured on the job in California, the state’s workers’ compensation law helps you get the benefits you need regardless of who is at fault if you can’t work. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines will help you meet deadlines and fulfill requirements when filing claims.
Deadlines and available benefits
To become eligible for workers’ compensation, you must notify your employer within 30 days that you suffered a work-related injury. Your employer has one day after that notification to provide you with a claim form, and then you have one year to file a claim.
The law requires your employer to authorize medical treatment for up to $10,000 while your claim is pending. Your injury will be presumed covered if the claim is not rejected within 90 days. Among the benefits you can receive are:
- Medical care, doctor visits, lab tests, x-rays, etc.
- Temporary disability payments while you can’t work
- Permanent disability payments if you are unable to return to work
- Retraining if you are unable to return to your previous position but can still work
- Death benefits paid to your dependents if you pass away from a job-related injury
What should you do if you are injured on the job?
Workplace injuries can take various forms, and some injuries may not be readily apparent. The first thing you should do when you are injured, or when you realize you have been injured, is to get medical attention. You can then follow the steps to file a claim.
In some instances, your claim may initially be denied due to technicalities or other reasons. If this occurs, you still have a right to a hearing and can file an appeal.
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