Injured California Workers May Be Eligible For A Range Of Benefits
Navigating California’s complex workers’ compensation system can be difficult, especially when trying to recover from a serious injury or illness. Because of this, it can be very helpful to work with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Across the Central Coast and throughout the Bay Area, you can find the help you need at Katzakian Law P.C. Our founding attorney has more than a decade of legal experience, and our firm is entirely dedicated to workers’ compensation law.
On this page, we’ve provided an overview of the benefits available after a workplace injury or death. After reading, you can contact our firm to discuss your case during a free initial consultation.
Coverage Of Medical Care And Reimbursement For Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
One of the benefits you will likely notice soon after your accident is coverage of your medical care. If you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits, your employer will be required to pay for all “reasonably necessary” care related to your workplace injury. This includes hospital/physician visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, medical equipment and more.
Medical benefits can also reimburse you for certain out-of-pocket expenses. If you initially had to pay your own medical bills, these can likely be reimbursed. You can also seek reimbursement for mileage on your personal vehicle to travel to and from medical appointments.
Partial Wage Replacement With Temporary Disability Benefits
A workplace injury may leave you temporarily unable to work in any capacity. If you were hospitalized overnight or your doctor believes you will be out of work for at least three days, you will likely qualify for temporary disability (TD) benefits.
These benefits, which amount to two-thirds of your regular weekly wages (before taxes), will generally be paid every two weeks. Payments will continue either until you return to work or until your doctor says that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (wherein further healing is impossible or unlikely).
Long-Term Financial Support When A Disability Is Permanent
Some workplace injuries can leave you permanently disabled, in which case a doctor will give you a disability rating. If you are entirely unable to return to work in any capacity, you have a 100% disability rating, also known as permanent total disability. If you can return to work in some capacity, your disability is rated accordingly and classified as permanent partial disability.
In either case, your permanent disability benefits will cover only a portion of your pre-injury wages. The amount and duration of these payments will depend on a number of factors. Attorney Bo Katzakian can help you understand the benefits available in your case.
Assistance In Obtaining New Employment When Your Old Job Is No Longer A Possibility
If you have a permanent partial disability, you may be able to do some work, but you might not be physically able to return to the job you previously held. Ideally, the same employer would be able to provide an alternative work assignment that accommodates your restrictions. If they cannot, however, you will likely qualify for supplemental job displacement benefits (SJDB).
An SJDB is a voucher for $6,000 to help you cover the costs of transitioning into a new job and/or a new career. The money can be used to pay for expenses like vocational training and education, costs related to licensing and certification in a new field, computer equipment, and job search and placement assistance.
Death Benefits For Grieving Families After A Fatal Workplace Accident
Sadly, some workplace accidents are fatal. In addition to the grief of losing a loved one, families of deceased workers can also face serious financial hardship due to the loss of income and expenses related to funerals and burials.
Spouses, children and certain other dependents may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation death benefits. Up to $10,000 may be provided to cover burial expenses. Additional ongoing payment amounts and durations will depend on the number of dependents needing support, their level of dependency and age (if they are minors).
Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits During A Free Initial Consultation
Katzakian Law P.C. has seven convenient office hubs, and we serve clients across the Central Coast and throughout the Bay Area of California. We offer free initial consultations so that prospective clients can easily explore their legal options. To get started, call us today at 888-724-4138 or submit an online contact form.
