Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide benefits to injured workers. If an employee suffers an injury on the job, the employer is liable for the employee’s temporary disability benefits, medical expenses, permanent disability benefits for any long-term effects of the injury and, potentially, a voucher to obtain vocational rehabilitation services.

What is Workers' Compensation?What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault insurance system that is compulsory for employers.

Covered Employers and EmployeesCovered Employers and Employees
Workers' compensation covers employers, employees and work-related injuries sustained in the course of employment. This section describes employers, employees and types of injuries covered by workers' compensation.

Covered InjuriesCovered Injuries
You must provide compensation for any employee injury or death that results from employment or occurs on the job, without regard to negligence.

Stress-Related InjuriesStress-Related Injuries
In California, an industrial injury does not have to be a physical injury, like a broken arm. It can also be an emotional injury due to stress or trauma caused by the employment.

Employer Notice ObligationsEmployer Notice Obligations
You must provide your employees with written notice about their workers’ compensation rights.

Medical Treatment Rights and ObligationsMedical Treatment Rights and Obligations
One of the primary benefits provided for workers’ compensation injuries is the right to medical treatment.

What To Do When an Injury OccursWhat To Do When an Injury Occurs
You must take several steps in response to a reported illness or injury on the job. This section discusses each step.

Workers' Compensation PenaltiesWorkers' Compensation Penalties
Failing to maintain workers' compensation coverage can result in a multitude of costly penalties.

Employee Protection from Workers' Compensation DiscriminationEmployee Protection from Workers' Compensation Discrimination
Labor Code section 132(a) prohibits an employer from discharging, threatening or otherwise discriminating in any way against an employee because he/she received an award from the WCAB, or filed or intends to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Acknowledgments

CalChamber would like to thank Victor Andersen, James Jones and Jarred Lautman for their contributions to the Workers’ Compensation chapter. Collectively, they have more than 70 years’ experience practicing workers’ compensation law.

Victor Andersen, James Jones and Jarred Lautman are partners at Finnegan, Marks, Desmond & Jones, a practice specializing in workers’ compensation law. More information on Finnegan, Marks, Desmond & Jones can be found on the law firm’s website.