If you are hurt or taken ill as a result of a work-related incident, you most definitely have questions. One of these is who will take care of your medical bills and lost income.
Understanding how California’s workers’ compensation works allow you to appropriately plan for your future. It also ensures that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and other damages.
How does medical care work with workers’ comp?
Basically, workers’ compensation is meant to reasonably take care of an injured employee’s medical bills. It is also intended to reimburse you for mileage to and from your medical appointment. Thus, your employer’s insurance carrier is required to start paying your medical benefits as soon as you formally report your injury and file your claim.
How are workers’ comp benefits paid in California?
You will generally not receive a check for your medical care since your healthcare provider will directly bill the insurance company. However, if you have to pay for your medical bills off-pocket because the insurer hasn’t done so without a valid reason, then you will be entitled to a reimbursement for the amount paid.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you should be entitled to temporary disability benefits. And if you are diagnosed with a permanent impairment following the injury, then California workers’ comp laws require the insurance carrier to begin paying your cash benefits within two weeks after ending your temporary disability benefits.
Protecting your rights
Workers’ comp benefits generally cover work-related injuries and illnesses. Learning more about California’s workers’ compensation laws can help you safeguard your rights and interests following a workplace injury.