Habbas & Associates
Because Experience Matters
CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS | CALIFORNIA WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Injuries that occur on the work site are covered under California's workers' compensation program. Work comp regulations were substantially changed in 2004 under SB 899.
California Workers' Compensation Basics
Click here for the 2006 handbook provided by the California Division of Workers' Compensation (8 meg PDF). Some basics from the handbook:
What is workers' compensation?
If you get hurt on the job, your employer is required by law to pay for workers'
compensation benefits. You could get hurt by:
- One event at work. Examples: hurting your back in a fall, getting burned by a
chemical that splashes on your skin, getting hurt in a car accident while making
deliveries, or
- Repeated exposures at work. Examples: hurting your wrist from doing the
same motion over and over, losing your hearing because of constant loud noise.
Workers' compensation covers some, but not all, stress-related (psychological) injuries
caused by your job.
What are the benefits?
They can include:
Medical Care. Paid for by your employer, to help you recover from an injury or illness
caused by work.
Temporary Disability Benefits. Payments if you lose wages because your injury
prevents you from doing your usual job while recovering.
Permanent Disability Benefits. Payments if you don't recover completely.
Benefits When You Need To Change Jobs:
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (if your date of injury is in 2004 or
later). A voucher to help pay for retraining or skill enhancement if you don't
recover completely, your employer doesn't offer you work, and you don't
return to work for your employer.
- Vocational Rehabilitation (if your date of injury is before 2004). Job
placement counseling and possibly retraining, if you are unable to return to your
old job and your employer doesn't offer other work.
Death Benefits. Payments to your spouse, children, or other dependents if you die
from a job injury or illness.
Can my regular doctor treat me if I get hurt on the job?
It depends on whether you tell your employer in writing — before you are injured —
the name and address of your personal physician. This is called "predesignating” your
personal physician. If you predesignate, you may see your personal physician right after
you are injured
What should I do if I get hurt at work or develop a work-related
medical problem?
- Report the injury or illness to your employer. Make sure your supervisor or
someone else in management knows as soon as possible. If your injury or illness
developed gradually (like tendinitis or hearing loss), report it as soon as you learn or
believe it was caused by your job. Reporting promptly helps avoid problems and
delays in receiving benefits, including medical care. If your employer does not learn
about your injury within 30 days, you could lose your right to receive workers'
compensation benefits.
Get emergency treatment if needed. If it's an emergency, call 911 or go to an
emergency room right away. Your employer must make sure that you have access to
emergency treatment right away, and may tell you where to go for treatment. Tell
the medical staff that your injury or illness is job-related.
How can I avoid getting hurt on the job?
It's best to prevent injuries before they happen. Employers in California are required to
have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. The program must include worker
training, workplace inspections, and procedures for correcting unsafe conditions
promptly. Learn about and participate in your employer's program. Report unsafe
conditions to your employer and union, if you have one. If they don't respond, call
Cal/OSHA, the state agency that enforces health and safety laws.
Free Case Evaluation
If you have been injured on the job, please contact us toll-free at (866) 995-9993 for a free case evaluation. There is no fee unless we obtain money for you.
