Need to know some facts about workers’ compensation?

Whether you suffer an injury or just want to know what happens if you do, the information below provides an overview of the workers’ compensation system. With this knowledge, your worries about what happens after an injury might go away.

So, what is workers’ compensation insurance?

California law requires employers to carry insurance that provides benefits to injured workers. The injury could occur through a sudden accident or result from repetitive motions or activities. The system provides the following benefits depending on your injuries:

1. Your employer pays your medical bills.
2. Temporary disability benefits cover your income while you recover.
3. Permanent disability benefits provide continued payments for your permanent injuries.
4. Supplemental job displacement benefits help you with retraining if you can no longer perform your job duties due to a work-related injury.
5. Your immediate family is granted death benefits should you die on the job.

What do I do if I suffer an injury at work?

If you suffer an injury at work, take the following steps to ensure your right to benefits:

1. Report the injury as soon as your injury allows. If your doctor told you that you suffer from an injury caused by repetitive motions or actions, report it when you know.
2. Go to the emergency room or the doctor to whom your employer sends you right away. Be sure to tell medical personnel that your injury occurred on the job.
3. The law requires your employer to provide you with a claim form for the day following your injury report. If not, request one.
4. See the right medical personnel for your injuries. You deserve good medical care to help you recover as fully as possible.

You should know that the law prohibits your employer from terminating you or taking any other retaliatory action if you report an injury or file a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer or the insurance company attempts to deny you benefits, an attorney could help.

Of course, you retain the right to involve an attorney to help with the initial claim as well. The requirements for receiving workers’ compensation benefits quickly become frustrating and complex for most people. Representation could simplify the process for you to let you focus on recovering from your injuries and getting on your feet and back to work faster.