English 
Spanish Workers’ compensation programs have many objectives, most of which include helping injured workers make ends meet in the aftermath of a serious injury. Yet, getting compensated can get complicated––preventing you from seeking benefits in the first place.
If you have difficulties getting workers’ compensation benefits in the aftermath of a job-related injury, you should consider partnering with KJT Law Group. Our workers’ compensation lawyers can evaluate your options and advocate for what you need.
Workers’ Compensation Has Six Main Objectives
The primary goal behind workers’ compensation is to create a safety net for employees who suffer injuries while on the job. Here, you don’t have to prove fault to recover damages. As long as you suffered an injury or illness while performing your job-related tasks, you can get coverage for your medical bills and some of your lost income.
Here are some goals behind California’s workers’ compensation program:
It Offers Medical Care Reimbursement
After suffering a job-related injury, you can get full coverage for your necessary medical expenses, which may include:
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Doctors’ co-pays
- Hospitalization
- Skin grafts
- Physical therapy
- Mental health services
But how does getting coverage for your medical care work? After an initial examination, the physician will determine what kind of treatment would be appropriate for the injury or illness you have. Additionally, the doctor will disclose how long you must miss work. The doctor may even recommend that you work at a different position with your company that’s less taxing on your injured body.
The workers’ comp program may allow you to seek a second opinion regarding your injuries if you don’t believe the first doctor took your case seriously enough. You can learn more about this option when you consult with our California workers’ compensation team.
Workers’ Compensation Protects Your Job
Before workers’ compensation, many employees were hesitant to report their job-related injuries for fear of getting fired. However, under California law, it is illegal to fire an employee for seeking workers’ comp or for simply being on workers’ comp.
Additionally, the employer must agree to allow you to return to the same position after you heal from your injuries, as long as you can perform the duties associated with that position. Job security offers great peace of mind while recovering from a work-related illness or injury. With protection against employer retaliation, you can breathe easy knowing that you can seek benefits without being terminated.
Workers’ Compensation Offers Benefits to Temporarily Injured Employees
When you cannot earn a living because of your injuries, California law ensures that you receive payments to compensate for your lost wages. You can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. How long you can receive benefits depends on your situation. Yet, you can receive benefits for up to two years (perhaps even longer) based on the severity of your condition.
Permanently Disabled Workers Can Get Financial Benefits
Should you lose the ability to use a certain part of your body because of the injury suffered at work, you may qualify to receive payments for permanent disability under workers’ compensation laws in California.
These payments are similar to the temporary disability payments in that you receive them every two weeks. The main difference is the length of time you receive benefits. If your on-the-job injury permanently affects your working ability, you could get benefits for the rest of your life.
Injured Workers Can Get Payment for Job Retraining
Your injury may prevent you from working in your current field. Here’s a hypothetical to further illustrate this point. You were injured while working as a crane operator. You have limited mobility, preventing you from returning to your previous condition. Yet, with some vocational training, you can learn skills that prepare you for another field. In California, you can receive a voucher for up to $6,000 for your new job training.
According to the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), if you qualify for job retraining, you could also get a one-time payment of $5,000. You could use that payment to cover books and other tools you need to complete your new training.
Grieving Families Can Secure Death Benefits
If your loved one suffered a fatal accident at work, your family could receive death benefit payments. Per the DIR, how much you receive depends on many things, including how many people the decedent financially supported. The DIR also notes that death benefits are paid at the total temporary disability rate––which right now is $224 a week. You could get benefits for a year––perhaps longer––depending on your situation.
The Many Benefits of Partnering With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation has many objectives, above all else, it aims to make life for injured employees easier. By covering medical care costs and offering income reimbursement, you could rebuild your life in the aftermath of a serious injury. Yet, getting workers’ compensation can prove difficult, even if the details of the accident are clear.
KJT Law Group offers comprehensive legal help to injured claimants in California. Whether you or a loved one suffered an on-the-job injury, we’re ready to file your claim, negotiate a settlement, and represent you at any hearings. What’s more, we offer comprehensive legal help on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay nothing upfront to secure our assistance.
Reach Out to KJT Law Group Today to Learn More
As trusted workers’ compensation lawyers in California, the team at KJT Law Group fully understands the importance of helping our clients receive the payments they need after suffering a work-related injury or illness. We work tirelessly to reach the best possible settlement in your case.
Call KJT Law Group at (818) 507-8525 as soon as possible to discuss your California workers’ comp case in a no-obligation, free case review. We can explain the basics of workers’ comp in the language you can understand.
