Redding Workers’ Compensation Law Blog

A worker suffered a broken leg on the job after a piece of equipment fell on them. Now, they have to stay at home until their leg heals. This worker may be worried about losing their income while they are out, recovering. Temporary Disability (TD) benefits are one form of assistance for which they may be eligible. After the worker suffered a broken leg, they should receive medical attention through workers’ compensation. California law requires employers to buy workers’ compensation insurance so their employers won’t lose out on all of their regular income. The worker should request a DWC 1 claim form, which starts the process. Do I Have To Fill Out The Claim Form My Employer Gave Me? Injured employees fill...

Common traumatic injuries occur because you tried to lift something that proved to be too heavy or because you got struck by a falling piece of equipment. There will be an obvious and unquestionable triggering event that results in a physical injury. A surprising number of people working in California think that only straightforward job injuries entitle someone to workers’ compensation benefits. However, California’s workers’ compensation insurance program clearly extends protection to those who acquire a medical condition because of their jobs. In other words, coverage does not just apply to a sudden traumatic injury but also injuries that result from continuous trauma. Workers all over the state may daily add a little bit to their risk of a workplace...

If you suffer an injury at work or develop a job-related medical condition, you will likely apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Under California’s system, you need to have an evaluation performed by a qualified medical evaluator (QME) before you receive benefits. A QME helps determine if the condition is serious and if it requires medical care or a leave of absence from work. In cases where there is a question about whether a worker suffered the injury on the job or outside of work, the state might appoint not just one QME but a panel of three. The State Goes To Great Lengths To Avoid Bias Letting the employer or the worker choose the medical professional could lead to bias. If an...

Many injuries heal and end up just as strong and durable as they were before the injury occurred. If you break a bone, for instance, you will likely heal completely and not need to worry about it again. But what if you injure your back? This type of injury can put you out of work for a long time, and you may still feel nervous about reinjuring it after you do get back on the job. Is it more likely that this will happen a second time? It May Be, Though It Depends On The Injury All injuries are different. If you get hurt, you need to talk to your medical care provider, and they’ll be able to give you...

If you have been injured while performing your duties, the California labor law entitles you to a workers’ compensation for your injuries. However, it is imperative that you report your injury within the stipulated time limit to be eligible for compensation. Once this time limit elapses, you might no longer have a cause of action since your right to the compensation will be effectively barred. Reporting Your Workplace Injury In California If you are hurt at work in California, you will be required to report your work-related injury within 30 days. First, you should report the injury to your employer in writing. Remember, failure to report your injury or condition within 30 days may result in you losing your right to...

If you suffer a workplace accident and are injured, you can claim against your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance. The same applies if you become ill due to your job or workplace. Insurers do not hand out money freely and may try to settle early to minimize what they pay you. Therefore, you need to understand the full range of cover you are entitled to receive to ensure you do not lose out. Your Right To Benefits After A Workplace Injury Or Illness Here are the five things that workers’ compensation insurance can cover: Medical care: Medical bills can soon mount up. They might not be a short-term cost either, as you may require medical treatment or medicines for years to come. Temporary disability...

A report published earlier this year by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hinted at how workplace illnesses and injuries are predictable, and thus, also preventable. The federal agency cited various reporting requirements that both employers and workers can consult to find out more about the workplace in their industries, jobs and roles. This can be helpful when trying to justify how predictable injuries are. What Injury Risk Factors Do You Face In Your Job? OSHA has a publication called a “300 log.” That list compiles the many different professions that exist and includes the most common injuries workers face in each of those industries. The data included on that list comes from injury reports submitted to OSHA by employers. The...

Workers often require convalescent leave after an injury on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance can protect injured workers by giving them disability benefits. These benefits will cover some of the workers’ missed wages when they are at home recovering. Unfortunately, even with good medical care available at no employee cost through workers’ compensation, not everyone hurt on the job fully recovers. Some employees can’t go back to the same job they did before, which means that they won’t be able to earn as much money as they did previously. How does the workers’ compensation system in California protect injured workers from the impact of decreased earning potential? There Are Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits To Help A Worker Find A New...

You know that there is always a chance that you could get injured at work. Even simple things, like changing a lightbulb or walking down the stairs, could lead to a serious accident. But what if your boss asks you to do something that really seems far too dangerous? You think it’s unwise to even try, as injury seems not just possible, but likely. Do you still have to do it? Or can you refuse? When Can You Turn Down A Job Your Boss Tells You To Do? The first thing you should do is tell your employer why you don’t want to do the task and why you think it’s too dangerous. They may be more than willing to take steps...

This is the time of year when teens across California start looking for summer jobs if they don’t already have one lined up. Many businesses of all kinds rely on teen employees and find many advantages to hiring them. Most teens are part-time workers, so businesses can save money by not having to provide the same benefits full-time employees are owed. They can fill the void left by salaried employees taking vacation time. They’re energetic, they typically learn fast and they’re willing to do just about any task – no matter menial. Teen Workers Need To Know Their Rights However, teen workers often aren’t aware of their rights in the workplace. They may not think to ask, and some employers...