You probably know that suffering an injury at work allows you to file a workers’ compensation claim. Doing so gives you access to no-cost medical care and replaces some of the wages you might have lost. If the accident results in death, your surviving family members may file a claim for benefits instead.
These facts reveal three critical advantages of a successful claim, but what else do you know about California workers’ compensation? See the sections below for more little-known facts about injured workers’ rights.
1. Mandatory employer compliance
There are very few situations where an employer in the state is exempt from covering your injury-related medical costs. They meet this obligation by obtaining and maintaining workers’ compensation insurance or a self-insured plan. What this means is you are most likely eligible for injury benefits despite what your employer may say.
2. Part-time and temp worker coverage
Many of those with temporary or part-time positions believe they do not qualify for workers’ compensation, but this is not always the case. By law, most employers must provide medical coverage for all injured workers, even temporary and part-time employees.
3. Non-resident employee coverage
Perhaps the most pervasive misinformation regarding workers’ compensation is that non-legal U.S. residents are ineligible for coverage. You need not legally reside in the state to obtain most workers’ comp benefits. With that said, legal counsel could help ensure non-residents receive the compensation they are due when injured in the workplace.
You could be missing out on invaluable benefits without at least a basic understanding of state and federal workers’ compensation programs. Learn more to preserve your rights as an injured employee.
