Even the most careful workers can get injured on the job. Safety violations, accidents, and other factors can cause severe consequences for employees. If you suffer an injury at work, you might be unable to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Fortunately, workers in California can demand compensation for their injuries. A favorable resolution could allow you to focus on recovery instead of worrying about treatment costs.
Who is eligible?
Employees in California and some independent contractors are eligible for workers’ compensation, regardless of their immigration status. Even if you are a part-time employee, your employer must pay your medical expenses if you are injured in the workplace. Usually, employers will provide an insurance policy covering numerous types of injuries, sometimes including psychological ones.
Filing a claim
The first step towards workers’ compensation is informing your employer about your injury or medical condition. After learning about the accident, your employer must provide a claim form for you to fill out. If you have questions about the process, you can contact an attorney.
Later, your employer or administrator will evaluate your claim. If they accept it, you could receive benefits depending on your situation, such as:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Compensation for lost wages
Additionally, when a worker dies because of an injury or illness caused by their job, their family could receive compensation. Still, your employer can decide to deny your workers’ compensation claim. In this case, you have the right to object to the resolution.
When appealing, it is essential to understand your rights. For example, it is illegal for your employer to terminate your contract because of your condition. Furthermore, you can seek legal advice. An attorney can help you evaluate your options and create a strategy for your case. This can help you focus on recovery while the attorney deals with legal procedures.