Practice Areas
Benefits Available for Injured Workers
The following workers’ compensation benefits are available for injured workers in California:
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Costs Related to Your Workplace Injury
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to assist you with certain costs related to your workplace injury. Note that workers’ compensation benefits do not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
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Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation will cover all costs related to your medical care for your workplace injury or illness. This includes things like hospital services, physical therapy, prescriptions, laboratory tests, and more.
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Temporary Disability Benefits
While you recover, temporary disability benefits can help make up for wages you lose as a result of being unable to work. In most cases, temporary disability benefits are limited to no more than 104 weeks within 5 years of the date of injury.
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Permanent Disability Benefits
If you suffer an injury that leaves you permanently unable to work, either in a partial or total capacity, workers’ compensation can compensate you for your lost wages. The amount of benefits you receive will depend on how your disability is rated by a doctor.
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Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
If your workplace injury leaves you permanently disabled and unable to return to work within 60 days after your temporary disability benefits end, and your employer does not offer you modified work, you may be able to receive a voucher for state-approved job re-training. Exceptions apply; contact us for more information.
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Death Benefits
If your loved one died as a result of a work-related accident, injuries, or illness, you may be able to recover workers’ compensation death benefits. These benefits are provided to certain family members and dependents; contact Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC to learn more.
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What can I do if my workers’ compensation claim was denied?If your claim was denied, it is possible to appeal the decision by filing an application for adjudication of claim. If you have received a claim denial letter, we strongly recommend that you work with an experienced lawyer at our firm. We can help you take on your employer and/or their insurance provider so that you can focus on getting the critical medical care you need.
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Do I need to tell my employer I was injured at work?Yes, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days. If you fail to report the injury within this timeframe, your employer may have grounds to deny workers’ compensation coverage. If you were injured at work but more than 30 days have passed and you have not reported the injury, contact us right away to learn more about your potential options.
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Does workers’ compensation cover all work-related injuries?Yes, generally speaking, workers’ compensation covers any injury or illness you incur while carrying out any duties that benefit your employer. There are several exceptions, however. For example, if you are injured at work while intoxicated or due to a fight/altercation you started or due to your own intentional actions, your injuries are not covered. Additionally, workers’ compensation in California does not cover emotional harm, commonly known as “pain and suffering,” even if such harm is connected to a physical injury or work-related illness.
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What benefits does workers’ compensation provide?In California, workers’ compensation insurance covers injured employees’ medical care costs, as well as temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits, return-to-work supplements, and/or death benefits. For more information on the benefits you are eligible to receive, please contact Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC for a free consultation.
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Am I covered by workers’ compensation?Yes; with very few exceptions, all employees in California are covered by workers’ compensation, regardless of the size of the business, the number of employees, or whether you work full- or part-time. Only independent contractors may not be covered and, in such cases, the onus is on the employer to prove that a claimant is, in fact, an independent contractor.
An Experienced Legal Team On the Side of Injured Workers
Why Hire Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC?
When Your Benefits Matter, It Matters Who You Hire
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On the Side of WorkersOur firm is exclusively dedicated to helping injured workers and individuals receive the justice they deserve.
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Experienced Support StaffOur firm is staffed by experienced legal professionals who have been helping us serve injured workers for many years.
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Se Habla EspañolOur multi-lingual staff is proud to serve clients in both English and Spanish.
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Experience on Your SideOur firm has been serving injured clients throughout California's Central Valley for 30 years.
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A Reputation for ExcellenceWe have received countless testimonials from happy clients since our law firm first opened its doors in 1989.
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A Track Record of SuccessOur firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured workers and individuals.