Workers Compensation in Sacramento, CA

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by California state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Sacramento, CA workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Sacramento, California?

According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the agricultural and construction industries have the highest numbers of work-related injuries. The transportation, hospitality, and healthcare fields also have high rates of injury. For employees in Sacramento, overexertion, contact with objects, and falls are the most common causes of injury. In addition, the most reported injuries are strains, sprains, and tears. Work-related injuries in Sacramento can range from minor to very severe, but over half result in missed work.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Sacramento, California?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

The California Department of Industrial Relations requires all employers in California to carry workers compensation insurance. Injured workers in Sacramento are eligible to receive medical coverage, disability compensation, and death benefits. All reasonable medical treatment will be covered, as long as it is approved to treat or cure your work-related injury. If you will miss more than 3 days of work, you can receive disability to cover lost wages. These benefits are typically up to ⅔ of your average weekly wage, capped at $1299 per week.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Sacramento, CA are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Sacramento, CA healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report that details the extent of the damage and how it occurs is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

The California Department of Industrial Relations requires all workers in Sacramento to report injuries to their employer within 30 days. Your employer must supply you with a claim form and submit your claim to the insurance company. Also, they must file the claim within one year of the injury.

Timeline and Other Information

Temporary disability benefits last until you are able to return to work, or until your condition has reached maximum improvement. However, the duration of temporary benefits is limited to 104 weeks. If your disability is permanent, a formula will be applied to determine the amount and duration of your benefits. The formula incorporates the type and severity of your injury, as well as your average weekly wage.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Sacramento, California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Sacramento, California, in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer may ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Sacramento workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Sacramento, California

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Sacramento, CA you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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