What Kinds of Benefits Does California Workers’ Compensation Provide?
Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for employees who sustain injuries or illnesses on the job. In California, the workers’ compensation system is designed to ensure that injured employees receive necessary financial and medical support while they recover. Understanding the types of benefits available through workers’ compensation can help you know what to expect and have confidence that your benefits are being fully paid as they should. If you’ve been hurt at work in Orange County or the Inland Empire and are having difficulty getting your claim accepted, contact Invictus Law, P.C., to speak with a skilled and experienced Southern California workers’ compensation lawyer.
Medical Benefits
One of the cornerstone benefits of workers’ compensation is medical coverage. Injured employees are entitled to receive medical treatment necessary to cure or relieve the effects of their injury or illness. This includes, for example:
- Doctor’s visits and hospital care
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs)
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
California law requires employers to provide access to a medical provider network (MPN) or allow injured workers to predesignate their personal physician. All authorized medical expenses are covered with no out-of-pocket costs for the employee.
Temporary Disability Benefits
When a work injury prevents you from performing your job duties, temporary disability (TD) benefits provide a portion of your lost wages. California workers’ compensation offers two types of temporary disability benefits:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): For employees who are completely unable to work during recovery.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): For employees who can return to work but only in a limited capacity or with reduced hours.
TD benefits typically amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by California law.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your work-related injury or illness results in lasting impairment, you may qualify for permanent disability (PD) benefits. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your disability (as determined by a medical evaluation), your age and occupation, and whether you are able to return to work. Permanent disability benefits are paid out either as a lump sum or in installments, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
For injured workers who cannot return to their previous job due to a permanent disability, California workers’ compensation offers supplemental job displacement benefits. These benefits come in the form of a non-transferable voucher worth up to $6,000 to help pay for essentials such as education or training programs, licensing or certification fees, and tools and equipment needed for a new occupation. The voucher can also be used to cover career counseling and other job placement services.
Death Benefits
In tragic cases where a work-related injury or illness results in an employee’s death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the employee’s dependents. These benefits typically include funeral and burial expenses (up to $10,000 in California), and financial support for dependents, paid in weekly installments. The amount and duration of death benefits depend on the number of dependents and their relationship to the deceased employee.
Other Key Workers’ Compensation Benefits
In addition to the core benefits described above, California’s workers’ compensation system may provide:
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments
- Vocational rehabilitation in certain cases
- Penalties for delays in benefits if an employer or insurance carrier fails to process a claim properly
How Invictus Law, P.C., Can Help
Dealing with the workers’ compensation system can be frustrating, especially when your focus should be on healing. At Invictus Law, P.C., we advocate for injured workers in Orange County, the Inland Empire, and across Southern California to ensure they receive the full benefits they deserve. Our experienced team, led by Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist Amanda Deering White, understands the nuances of California workers’ compensation law and provides personalized, effective representation.
If you’ve been injured on the job, contact Invictus Law, P.C., today at 888-9WORKLAW or 949-287-8711 to schedule a consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.
