What is Workers’ Compensation?

If you have a work-related injury or illness, your employer is required by law to pay for workers’ compensation benefits.

You could get hurt by:

• One event at work, such as hurting your back in a fall or getting hurt in a car accident while making deliveries.
• Repeated exposures at work, such as hurting your wrist from doing the same motion over and over or losing your hearing because of constant loud noise.

What Should I Do If I Am Hurt At Work?

You must report the injury to your employer by telling your supervisor right away. If you are not sure who your supervisor is, report the injury to the business owner. If your injury or illness developed over time, report it as soon as you learn or believe it may have been caused by work events. If your employer does not learn about your injury within 30 days and this prevents your employer from fully investigating the injury and how you were injured, you could lose your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

After reporting the injury, fill out a claim form (DWC-1) and give it to your employer. You will fill out the top portion of the DWC-1, your employer will fill out the bottom half and provide the workers’ compensation carrier information. Your employer must give or mail you a claim form within one working day after learning about your injury or illness. If your employer doesn’t give you the claim form you can download it from the Division of Workers’ Compensation website here: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/DWCForm1.pdf.

If you require treatment for your injuries, your employer may tell you what facility to go to. Under California workers’ compensation law, your employer has the right to control medical treatment through occupational health providers for the first 30 days of an injury. After than, you may be able to designate a different doctor. Tell the health care provider who treats you that your injury or illness is job-related.

What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide If I Am Hurt At Work?

Medical Care: Medical treatment provided by the employer to help you recover from your injuries.

Temporary Disability: Payments provided if your injury prevents you from doing your usual job. Paid generally at 2/3 of average weekly wage with statutory minimums and maximums.

Permanent Disability: Payments made if you have residual permanent disability after being found permanent and stationary, paid at a statutory rate.

Retraining Vouchers: Vouchers to help pay for retraining or skill enhancement if you are unable to return to your position at the time of injury (dependent upon date of injury).

Death Benefits: Payments to your spouse, children or other dependents if you die from a job injury or illness.