San Jose Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Who Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

In California, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance from the moment they begin their jobs. This coverage generally applies whether you work full-time or part-time and regardless of the type of work you perform. The key factor is whether you are considered an employee under the law.

Workers who are typically covered include people employed in industries such as:

• Construction and skilled trades
• Healthcare and medical services
• Retail and customer service
• Manufacturing and warehouse operations
• Transportation and delivery services
• Office and administrative work

If you are injured while performing your job duties, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Job-related injuries covered by workers’ compensation can include injuries caused by sudden accidents as well as conditions that develop over time, such as repetitive strain injuries.

However, not everyone who performs work for a business is automatically covered by workers’ comp insurance. Some workers may fall outside the standard workers’ compensation system depending on how their work is classified. Examples can include certain independent contractors, some volunteers, and workers in specific, limited categories defined by law. Determining whether someone is legally considered an employee can sometimes be complicated, especially if a worker has been incorrectly classified.

If you are unsure whether your job qualifies for workers’ compensation coverage but need support after a workplace accident, call us at (888) 446-5879.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits That May Be Available

When a workplace injury is accepted under California’s workers’ compensation system, several types of benefits may become available. These benefits are designed to support injured workers while they recover and address the financial impact of time away from work.

Benefits of workers’ compensation that might be available to you include:

• Medical benefits: One of the most important benefits is medical treatment. Workers’ compensation insurance generally covers medical care that is reasonably required to treat the work-related injury or illness, such as doctor visits, diagnostic tests, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other forms of treatment recommended by medical professionals.
• Disability benefits: Workers’ compensation may provide disability benefits if your injury prevents you from working. Temporary disability benefits are typically available if you cannot work for a limited period while you recover. If your injury results in lasting impairment, permanent disability benefits may also apply.
• Vocational retraining: Other possible benefits can include assistance with job retraining if you cannot return to your previous position.
• Death benefits: In the most serious cases, death benefits can be provided to families who lose a loved one in a workplace accident.