Workers' compensation is a system set up by the state of California to compensate workers when they've been hurt on the job. If you are injured while working or become ill because of your employment, your employer is required by law to pay workers' compensation benefits to you. All California employers must provide workers' compensation benefits to their employees.
A Workers' Compensation Law Firm for You
The workers' compensation system has been in existence since the early 20th century. In fact, California was one of the first states to put a workers' compensation plan into place. However, since its inception, the workers' compensation system has become troubled and complicated, with many revisions and problems.
It's not easy to navigate the workers’ compensation system yourself, especially when you're hampered by an injury or illness. The assistance of an experienced workers' compensation law firm such as O'Mara & Padilla can make all the difference in your case. We have fought since 1982 for fair workers' compensation benefits for hundreds of injured clients.
One Event or Repeated Exposure
There are many, many occupations in which people can and do get hurt. An injury or illness due to your job is the requirement for workers' compensation benefits. This holds true whether you are hurt by:
One event at work: For example, getting hurt in a vehicle accident while you’re making a delivery; hurting your back in a slip or fall; or getting burned by something that splashed on your skin
— or —
Repeated exposure at work: For example, damage to your hearing from constant loud noise; hurting your hands and/or wrists from doing the same motion over and over; damage to your legs from standing too much or too long on the job; or exposure to toxic chemicals
Workers' compensation covers some stress-related (psychological) injuries caused by one's job, too.
Workers' Compensation Benefits
Workers' compensation benefits fall into five categories:
1. Medical Care Benefits: To cover your medical bills, including medications
2. Temporary Disability Benefits: Payments if you lose your income because you can't work at your job while you're recovering
3. Permanent Disability Benefits: Payments for people who don't recover completely
4. Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: These can include on-the-job training, schooling, or job placement assistance to help an injured worker find new employment
5. Death Benefits: For the dependents of someone who has been killed on the job or who died due to conditions on the job
You may be eligible for some of these benefits and ineligible for others.
Other Benefits to Consider
There is also a system for State Disability Insurance (which is not the same as workers' compensation) and another system for Social Security Disability Insurance. A disabled worker may be eligible for one or more of these types of benefits, depending on his or her circumstances. In light of the variety, complexity, and time limits that apply in these systems, it's in an individual's best interest to obtain legal representation.
O'Mara & Padilla: An Experienced Workers' Compensation Firm
If you have been injured on the job, or if your medical condition may be due to your employment, contact O'Mara & Padilla today. Get the benefits you're entitled to — we'll arrange a free consultation to discuss your circumstances and explore your options.