This article discusses what benefits are available to injured workers through the California workers compensation system. Keep reading to learn more to learn more about workers comp.

Workers Compensation is a No-Fault System

Workers compensation in California is a no-fault system. This means if you get hurt on the job, your employer has to pay benefits no matter whose fault the accident was. There are exceptions for things like intoxication and willful self-inflicted injuries though.

Reporting a Claim

If you’ve been hurt on the job, you should report your claim to your supervisor or HR. They should give you a claim form. Here’s a link to a claim form if you aren’t given one. Fill it out and hand it in. You should be contacted by the insurance company’s claim examiner (also known as a claim adjuster) shortly. He or she is the person in charge of handling your workers compensation claim. A medical evaluation for you.

Retaliation is Illegal

It’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you if you report a work injury.

What Benefits Does Workers Compensation Provide?

Workers Compensation provides 5 main benefits:

• medical treatment,


• temporary disability,


• permanent disability,


• a supplemental job displacement voucher, and


• death benefits.

Keep reading to learn more about each type of benefit.

Medical Treatment

Injured workers are entitled to all medical treatment necessary to cure or relieve their condition. This includes any therapy or medication that you might need. Injured workers are frequently provided with physical therapy and chiropractic treatment in the workers comp system.

Workers compensation provides treatment for life, unless you settle out this portion of your claim.

Temporary Disability

If a doctor takes you off work because of your work injury, you may be entitled to tax-free benefits of up to $1,128.43 per week (that’s the 2016 rate)

In workers compensation, temporary disability benefits are paid while injured workers recuperates from their injuries if they are unable to return to work. Benefits are paid at two-thirds of your weekly wage. The max rate is $1,128.43 (for 2016). In most cases, you can collect temporary disability benefits for up to 104 weeks.

Permanent Disability

If you are unable to make a full recovery and you suffer from permanent impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. These tax-free benefits are paid at $290 per week (for 2016 dates of injury).

It impossible to predict how much permanent disability you’d be entitled to because the value is determined at the end of your case.

In some cases, a worker is declared 100% permanently disabled. If that’s the case, workers comp pays the temporary disability rate for life.

Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher

In some instances, injured workers are also entitled to a Voucher in the amount $6,000. It can be used for education-related retraining or skill enhancement, certain expenses related to occupational licensing or processional certification. Restrictions apply.

Death Benefits

If a worker dies because of his or her work injury, workers compensation pays benefits to the worker’s dependents (e.g., spouse and children). These payment can go up to $320,000.

Learn more at http://theocomp.com