
Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know
Workers’ compensation is like a safety net for employees who get hurt at work or become sick because of work conditions. Employers pay an annual insurance fee to an insurance company, and if something happens to an employee, the worker can get benefits like medical care and lost wages by filing a claim with the insurance company.
Who Can Get Workers’ Compensation?
If you got injured or got sick because of your job, you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. In most cases, you can’t sue your employer for damages if you get workers’ comp benefits. Instead, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) deals with these benefits.
Who Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
All employers in California with at least one employee must have workers’ comp insurance. They can get it from an insurance company or sometimes large employer insure themselves.
How to File a Claim?
Your employer should tell you how to file a workers’ comp claim with the workers’ compensation administrator. Make sure to follow the deadlines to protect your claims. You can fill out the employee section of the WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM FORM (DWC 1) and give it to your employer. They must fill out their part and give copies to their workers compensation claims company and you within one business day. You can also get help from a workers’ compensation attorney.
When Do You Need a Work Injury Lawyer?
If your injury is minor and you didn’t miss much work, you might not need a lawyer. But in some cases, a lawyer can help, like if your employer denies the claim, doesn’t give you treatment, or if you believe your injury will likely affect your work or life a lot. A lawyer can also help if you have questions about other benefits or if your employer mistreats you for filing a claim.
The Next Step
To make sure you get all the benefits you deserve, it’s best to talk to a workers’ comp lawyer. You can contact attorney Thomas F. Martin for a free and private consultation by calling 714-547-5025 or reaching out online. Learn more about workers’ compensation by clicking this link.
Latest Posts
What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Comp Insurance in California
If you’ve been hurt at work and found out your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, you’re not alone—and you still have legal...
Understanding Workers’ Comp in Orange County in 2025
Workers’ compensation is an essential system designed to protect employees who are injured on the job. If you live or work in Orange County, it’s important...
When Should You Hire a California Workers’ Comp Attorney?
After a workplace injury, many employees wonder if they need to hire a workers’ compensation attorney right away. In some cases, the process is...