Type Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When you get hurt on the job, you need help — help covering your medical bills, help putting food on the table, help getting back to work, and more. 

And that’s exactly what California’s workers’ compensation system is for: To help injured workers recover from their injuries. That help comes in the form of workers’ compensation benefits. 

There are several types of workers’ comp benefits available in California, and we’ll cover all of them in detail below. Keep reading, or reach out to Koh Legal Group for help pursuing the work comp benefits you’re entitled to.

Medical care benefits cover the cost of necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication, among many other possible medical interventions. 

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover these expenses without requiring you to pay out of pocket. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep detailed records of all medical appointments and treatments.

To receive your medical care benefits, you need to file your claim and have it approved. From there, your employer is likely going to be responsible for arranging care. However, there are exceptions in which you may be able to use your own doctor.

When you need a treatment or other medical intervention, your healthcare provider sends the request directly to the workers’ comp insurance company. The insurer then allows, modifies, or denies it. 

And don’t worry — you do have the option to challenge any modification or denial via an independent medical review.

If your injury or illness prevents you from working temporarily (at least three days), you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. 

This type of workers’ compensation benefit is meant to replace a portion of your lost wages while you’re unable to work. In California, that typically amounts to about two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a maximum limit set by state law (which can change periodically). 

These benefits — usually paid every two weeks — continue until you are able to return to work or you reach maximum medical improvement.

If your injury leaves you with a lasting impairment that affects your ability to work, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These workers’ comp benefits provide compensation for the long-term impact of your injury. 

The amount you receive depends on the severity of your disability and its effect on your ability to earn your living. Permanent disability benefits are calculated based on a rating assigned to your impairment.

These calculations become incredibly important to injured workers for one reason: The insurer and your employer almost certainly want to reduce the amount you receive via permanent disability benefits. They have your physician and a “Qualified Medical Evaluator” determine your benefit amount. 

But you deserve the maximum you’re entitled to.

That’s why so many injured workers in California team up with an attorney. Not only does a workers’ compensation lawyer represent and fight for you, but simply by nature of being your attorney, they entitle you to select an “Agreed Medical Evaluator” who will contribute to the assessment the treating doctor and Qualified Medical Evaluator are making.

If you can’t go back to your previous job because of your injury, you may be eligible for supplemental job displacement benefits. 

These benefits provide a voucher to cover some or all of the cost of retraining or education to help you find new employment. The voucher can be used for:

This can be incredibly useful if you won’t be able to continue working as you once did because of your workplace injury or illness.

It is so sad, but the reality is that some Californians die in workplace accidents every year. In the unfortunate event that this happened to your loved one, you should know this:

California workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the surviving family members. 

These benefits can include compensation for funeral expenses and financial support for dependents (like spouses and children). The amount of support payments can vary quite a bit, but it’s usually the same as the maximum temporary disability benefit.

The amount and eligibility criteria for death benefits depend on the deceased worker’s earnings and the number of dependents they have.

Questions about the types of workers’ compensation benefits? The team at Koh Legal Group has answers. See our FAQs below, and reach out if you have more questions we can help you with.

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides financial and medical benefits to California employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Its benefits cover medical costs, replace lost wages, and offer support if an injury results in long-term disability or death.

To qualify for workers’ compensation, the injury or illness must be directly related to your work duties or workplace environment. Common examples include slips and falls, repetitive strain injuries, and workplace illnesses. 

To put it simply: If you’re injured while performing job-related tasks or if your illness is caused by work conditions, you may be eligible for California workers’ comp benefits.

The length of the workers’ compensation claim process can vary widely in California. It depends largely on the complexity of your case and how quickly you file and your employer and/or the insurer respond. 

Generally, after filing a claim, the insurance company has 90 days to make a determination. But the process may take longer if the insurer needs additional information or medical evaluations. A qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you ensure you’re meeting all deadlines and that the process is moving as quickly as possible.

You need workers’ compensation benefits. But, more than that, you deserve them if you were injured on the job in California.

But that does not mean it’s always easy getting the maximum benefits you deserve. In fact,that couldn’t be further from the truth. From employer misconduct to paperwork mishaps and more, a lot can get in between you and the benefits you’re entitled to.

That’s where Koh Legal Group comes in. Our experienced team can help you pursue all types of workers’ compensation benefits — all the while reducing your stress so you can focus on recovering.

To get the help you need, reach out. Give us a call at 213-232-2725 or contact us online as soon as possible.