Protect your company with Sacramento Workers Compensation
One of the first questions that typically come up when someone has been injured on the job is, “Will I qualify for workers’ compensation benefits?” Concerns about filing a claim against their employer, receiving treatment from their doctor, or even losing their job may follow.
There is some good news for California employees who have suffered an injury on the job. In California, workers’ compensation benefits are mandatory for all employees who have been injured on the job unless they are at fault for causing their injury.
What is Workers’ Compensation in Sacramento, California?
Workers compensation is a system that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured in the course of employment. It functions as a no-fault insurance scheme, so theoretically, either party can be held responsible for causing an injury on the job. Workers’ compensation is only meant to compensate for verifiable injuries. Some non-provable injuries are still covered, but it is typically on a case-by-case basis.
The most significant advantage of workers’ compensation in Sacramento, California, is that an injured employee can receive medical and financial benefits without filing a lawsuit against their employer. This aspect of the law is intended to protect employers and employees alike because it keeps conditions fair and equitable across all companies, regardless of size or income bracket.
Another benefit of workers’ compensation in Sacramento, California, is that it is not contingent on who is at fault for an injury. Employee negligence is typically excluded from coverage, but employers are expected to provide a safe work environment and take reasonable precautions to prevent injuries.
The most common types of worker’s compensation claims in Sacramento, California, are temporary or permanent disability, medical costs, lost wages due to inability to work, and vocational rehabilitation.
Victims should know the specific time limit for filing claims when filing for workers’ compensation benefits in Sacramento, California. Generally, an injured employee will have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
What does Workers Compensation Sacramento California cover?
Sacramento workers’ compensation insurance covers a wide range of possible injuries you could sustain on the job. This includes the following:
Medical Benefits: Sacramento workers’ compensation insurance will pay for medical treatment and care the employee needs to recover from an on-the-job injury. This can include surgery, hospital stays and doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, eyeglasses, and orthodontic treatment.
Income Benefits: Income benefits through Sacramento workers’ compensation insurance are paid in the form of a weekly or monthly stipend to help compensate workers who cannot return to work due to their on-the-job injury. To qualify for this benefit, an employee must meet two requirements:
* Minimum number of days worked
* Maximum amount of earnings during those days
The benefit amount is based on the employee’s average weekly earnings, with a maximum $450 per week payment.
When injured workers receive income benefits, they will be required to submit quarterly reports with supporting documentation about medical expenses and whether they are participating in vocational rehabilitation services. If so, additional information is to be submitted to support that.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Vocational rehabilitation is an optional benefit through Sacramento workers’ compensation insurance for injured employees who want to return to work but need additional training or skills to do so. This is not an entitlement and must be requested by the employee in writing within seven days of the injury. Vocational rehabilitation services will continue until an injured worker can return to work or the employer terminates this benefit.
To qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits, an employee must meet two requirements:
* Must be receiving temporary disability payments at the time of the request
* Cannot earn more than $500 per week during the vocational rehabilitation period
If you’re injured on the job, your third-party administrator will manage the process. Vocational rehabilitation services must be paid directly to the employee’s third-party administrator, collaborating with them on a vocational rehabilitation strategy.
Death Benefit: A death benefit through Sacramento workers’ compensation insurance is available to help surviving family members during a difficult time. This award is paid within 60 days of the fatality, and the claim must be submitted by either the employee’s spouse or designated beneficiary. The award ranges from $5,000 for a spouse or domestic partner to $10,000 for a child under 18. To qualify for a claim:
* Worker must have been employed at the time of death
* Minimum number of days worked
* Maximum amount of earnings during those days
As with all benefits through Sacramento workers’ compensation insurance, this benefit is subject to a severe disability requirement. If an employee was recently injured on the job and died within two years of that accident, the worker’s family will not be able to collect death benefits.
Are there limits to Workers Compensation Sacramento, California?
Workers’ compensation is mandatory in most states, and the degree of coverage depends on state laws. The federal government offers its own workers’ compensation plan through its choice of private carriers. Each state has its own unique set of rules for eligibility, benefits amounts, duration of coverage, and how claims are adjusted.
What is the cost Workers Compensation Sacramento California premium?
Premiums vary depending on the job description, industry in which you work, place of the business location, and other factors. Studies show that one in five small businesses don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, explaining how so many accidents go unreported. It is a common misconception that it’s only large corporations that must have a policy. In reality, any size business or corporation may be required to carry a workers’ compensation plan based on the number of employees and other factors.
What should I do if I have been injured on the job?
As soon as you feel pain or injury, seek treatment immediately. If it is a severe injury, like a broken bone, your employer will often provide you transportation to the nearest hospital. While waiting for medical treatment, fill out an incident report and contact your insurance carrier. It would be best if you also informed supervisors of any work-related injury, even when it’s minor. Employers are required to report all work-related injuries and incidents so their insurance company can provide them with the proper care and coverage.