If you are like most people in California, you are aware that there may be financial assistance available to you if you are hurt at work. This is through a program called workers’ compensation. However, you may not have a clear understanding of what types of benefits are available as part of this program. The State of California Department of Industrial Relations manages this program and explains the different types of benefits that comprise it.
One benefit important to most people is payment for medical expenses related to the injury or illness. This may include office visits, hospitalizations, therapy and more. If your injury or illness keeps you away from your job, you might be able to receive temporary disability benefits until you can return to work. These benefits will pay a portion of your normal earnings. If your injury or illness results in a permanent mental or physical disability, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits.
The program also pays your surviving spouse or children in the event you die due to a work-related illness or injury. The last type of benefit is one that provides a voucher for you to receive new job training if you do not return to your previous position or have a permanent disability.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give residents in California an overview of the various types of benefits they may be able to qualify for under the workers’ compensation program if they are injured at work or develop a work-related illness.