Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California: What You Are Entitled To

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier workers’ compensation attorneys know the California workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill during their employment.

We also know that while most California employees know these benefits exist, they are often unsure what they are entitled to after suffering a work-related injury or illness.

We have answers.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Injured California Employees Entitled To?

The benefits injured employees are entitled to under California’s workers’ compensation program include:

• Medical Treatment

First and foremost, California employees are entitled to medical treatment to cure or relieve the effects of their work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and necessary medical appliances.

• Temporary Disability Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working during your recovery, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of your lost wages. The amount you receive is typically two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, subject to a maximum weekly cap.

The 2023 minimum and maximum TTD rates increased on January 1, 2023. The minimum TTD rate increased from $230.95 to $242.86, and the maximum TTD rate rose from $1,539.71 to $1,619.15 per week. The minimum and maximum amounts typically change annually, so it is essential to review the California Department of Industrial Relations updates to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

• Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. The amount of these benefits depends on the nature and extent of your disability, as determined by a workers’ compensation evaluator.

• Vocational Rehabilitation

If you cannot return to your previous job due to your work-related injury, you may receive vocational rehabilitation services to help you retrain for a new career or find alternative employment.

• Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits

If you suffer a significant permanent disability and your employer cannot offer suitable modified or alternative work, you may be eligible for supplemental job displacement benefits. These benefits provide financial assistance for education or retraining to help you find new employment.

• Death Benefits

In cases where a work-related injury or illness results in the death of an employee, the employee’s dependents may be entitled to death benefits, including financial compensation and funeral expenses.

It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits in California are not subject to income tax, and they are typically provided without regard to who was at fault for the injury. However, there are specific rules and guidelines governing the determination of eligibility and the amount of benefits you can receive, which may vary depending on the circumstances of your injury or illness.

To ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to, you can seek legal representation to help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and protect your interests, especially if your claim is disputed or denied.

Contact Our California Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Hanning & Sacchetto Today

If you have suffered a California workplace injury or illness and are facing claim challenges, contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Whittier today by calling (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation.