How Does Workers Compensation Work In California?

You have likely heard the term workers compensation or workers comp, but many people do not fully understand the details regarding how it functions. It is primarily a type of insurance that provides both wage and medical expenses for who has been injured while working at a job. Workers comp is a mandate in every state, however, the types of coverage varies from state to state. If you are a business owner in San Diego, California, and want to know more about workers compensation insurance, Windfall Insurance Services Inc. can help. Read on to learn more about how workers compensation works in California.  

Understanding Workers Comp: Essential Information 

Workers compensation is a disability insurance that provides your employees with healthcare and monetary payment if they experience a work-related injury or illness and also helps to cover wages that may have been lost due to missing work time. Workers comp also protects your business against potential lawsuits stemming from the worker’s injury. California law requires every business with one or more employees to have workers comp insurance to make sure that injured workers are protected if any work-related accidents occur. When a work-related accident does occur in California, the employee must file a workers comp claim, (provided by your business), within one day of the injury. You will then submit that form to your insurance provider, and they will update the employee on the status of the claim. It is important to understand that the amount of benefits an employee receives will depend on how severe the injury was. Workers comp provides a specific coverage amount to your employees, and also limits when an employee can sue an employer for damages.  

What Is Covered By Workers Comp?  

California workers compensation helps to provide a large scope of support when an employee becomes hurt on the job, including:  

• Primary medical treatment – An employer is required to pay for an injured worker’s immediate medical care.  

• Continued medical care – Workers comp extends to any follow-up medical care needed as a result of the injury, including doctor visits, rehabilitation, and medication.  

• Disability benefits – In the event that the injury requires time off of work, an employee is entitled to the replacement of wages for the time the employee cannot work.  

• Job retraining – If an employee is unable to return to work because of the injury, workers comp can help pay for education to transition to a new career.  

• Death benefits – If a work-related accident results in the death of an employee, workers compensation will provide compensation to the worker’s spouse and dependents.  

Having a sufficient workers compensation policy will guarantee that your company will be protected from significant financial loss if someone were to become injured on the job. If you are located in San Diego, California, and want to learn more about your insurance options, contact Windfall Insurance Services Inc. for a consultation.