Workers’ Compensation
- Reporting Injury
You must report the injury to your employer, supervisor, or manager as soon as possible. If the employer is not informed of your injury within 30 days after the date of the injury, you might lose your right to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits.
- Medical Treatment
The expenses for your medical treatments shall be paid by your employer to help you recover from an injury or illness caused by work. If your employer, however, does not provide medical treatments, you should see a doctor on your own or contact your attorney(s) in order to start medical treatments. In the case that you are not able to continue to work due to the injuries, it is important for you to keep a record of your medical treatment prior to quitting your job.
- Specific Injury (SI)
You could get hurt from a specific event at work, such as hurting your back when lifting a heavy box, or getting injured in a car accident while making deliveries, etc.
- Cumulative Trauma (CT)
You could get hurt by repeated exposures at work, such as hurting your wrist from constantly repeating the same motion, or losing your hearing because of constant loud noises at work, etc.
- Temporary Disability (TD)
This benefit compensates you for the loss of wages when you could not work due to your injury or while recovering from your injury. As a general rule, TD pays two-thirds of the gross (pre-tax) wages you lose while you are recovering from a work injury. If the workers’ comp insurance denies your claim or disputes TD payment, you must apply for EDD (disability benefits) and immediately seek legal assistance.
- Permanent Disability (PD)
This benefit compensates you if you do not fully recover from job injuries. Permanent disability (PD) is any lasting disability that results in a reduced earning capacity after maximum medical improvement is reached. If your injury or illness results in PD, you are entitled to PD benefits, even if you are able to go back to work.
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB / Voucher)
After the doctor has released you back to work with modifications or restrictions, the employer has 60 days to determine if he/she has work available with the recommendations of the doctor. If the employer cannot accommodate you with the modifications or restrictions, then you will be eligible for a voucher that provides you with training so that you may return to the workforce without aggravating your injury. It provides you with the opportunity to start a new carrier or new business adventure with the knowledge that you obtain.
- Death Benefits