If you are employed, it is important that you have a basic understanding of your rights as an employee, including your right to workers’ compensation if you are ever injured on the job. Below, you will find the answers to the following questions:
- What is workers compensation?
- What is the purpose of workers’ compensation?
- How does workers’ compensation benefit workers?
If you were injured on the job and are looking for clarification on workers compensation or your rights as an employee, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information available. Here at the California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group, our team is more than ready to provide you with all the information that you need to understand your rights under California employment law and fight for your rights after a workplace accident.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation – or workers comp – is a form of insurance that state law requires employers to carry. This insurance provides benefits to employees who suffer any work-related injuries or illnesses. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect both workers and employers; it ensures that affected workers have support for injuries/harm sustained while on the job and limits employer liability for said harm.
What is the Purpose of Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is usually considered to be just financial support for injured workers; however, it is much more than that.
Workers’ compensation insurance reduces legal battles as it is a no-fault system, meaning that injured employees will not have to sue employers. This also shields employers from liability and excessive litigation caused by lawsuits. In addition, workers’ compensation works as an incentive for employers to keep injury rates low by ultimately maintaining a safe workplace, keeping up with safety procedures/training, and more. Of course, workers’ compensation also provides important financial support for injured employees, which can include payments for lost wages, medical care, and more.
How does Workers’ Compensation Benefit Workers?
This is a very important question. Workers compensation may benefit affected workers in many ways, including the following:
- Medical benefits/pay – this covers all medical treatment (including surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, etc.) related to the injury/illness
- Wages – this may include temporary disability pay for those who cannot work during their recovery or permanent disability pay for those with more permanent injuries
- Job protections – injured workers will have the right to return to their jobs after they recover from their injuries
- Rehabilitation and vocational training – if the worker cannot return to their previous position, they will have access to retraining, skill development, and assistance in finding new employment opportunities
- Death benefits – if the worker dies as a result of their injuries, the worker’s dependents may be entitled to financial support
Of course, every situation is different. The specific benefits that you could be entitled to receive will be based on your specific workers compensation claim – and the facts surrounding your claim.
A Review of the Different Incidents that Potentially Covered by Workers Compensation
Common situations or incidents that could be covered by workers comp benefits could include the following:
- Resbalones y caídas
- Tropezón y caídas
- Injuries caused by work equipment/machinery
- Falling object incidents caused by overloaded shelving units
- Repetitive strain injuries like back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more
- Diseases caused by exposure to toxic chemicals or other harmful substances
In general, any injury that occurs on the job can be covered by workers comp, with the exception of injuries caused by
An overview of workers’ compensation, its purpose, and how it benefits injred workers.
