If you are injured at work in California, then your employer likely carries workers’ compensation insurance that will help you with the financial burden of the injury. This insurance allows you to be protected for an accident that is not your fault and that could cost you a lot of money in medical care, not to mention it may take you away from work, so you can no longer earn a living. All of that is factored into the workers’ compensation plan so you are taken care of when you are injured on the job.
According to the Department of Workers’ Compensation, when you have an on-the-job accident, you can file for benefits. When your claim is approved, you may be entitled to payment for your medical care and lost wages.
Medical care payments include payment for necessary medical services to treat your injury. This includes all services, even prescriptions and tests. Whatever is necessary to treat your injury is paid for as long as it is approved.
Lost wage payments are a little more complicated. They can pay for any wages lost if you are unable to work at all. They may also pay if you can return to work but cannot return to your exact position or have to work fewer hours as a result of your injury.
You may also get help with training if you will be unable to ever return to your previous job. This includes schooling and course that help you learn new skills to gain employment in another field or position. Finally, if you were to die as the result of an accident while at work, your immediate family may receive death benefits to help pay for any medical care you received, your funeral and burial expenses and lost wages. This information is for education and is not legal advice.