California Insurers and politicians slashed Workers’ Compensation [WC] Benefits in the recent past. Permanently injured workers’ benefits were reduced 50%. Comp payments for lost earnings (temporary disability) are limited to 2/3′s of your salary and restricted in time so you will either have to: 1)Work Hurt, 2)Go Without, or 3) Go Bankrupt.
The medical benefits of physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractics have been cut. Vocational Rehabilitation has been eliminated because when you are so injured you can’t return to your job, they are not going to retrain you. There is no award for pain and suffering. THE INSURER/EMPLOYER CHOOSE THEIR OWN DOCTOR FOR YOU, NO CHOICE FOR THE WORKER, AND THEY LIMIT VISITS.
California rates among the highest states for standard of living but the lowest for injured workers’ benefits. Compare California WC Awards to other states and to Civil Case Value:
INURY CA WC AWARD NAT AVG WC AWARD CIVIL AWARD
TOE OFF $660 $4,974 $87,000
HEARING LOSS 5,280 30,655 61,000
FINGER OFF 8,415 21,621 120,000
EYE OUT 17,714 74,558 265,000
THUMB 21,010 39,014 254,000
FOOT OFF 28,820 80,977 442,000
LEG OFF 61,435 114,522 671,000
DEATH 160,000 200,000 3,236,000
The only way for you to protect yourself and family and receive a fair, just award is to file a WC case and also file a companion civil complaint against the negligent person/party that caused your injuries. Choose your own doctor in a civil case and no limits. Full compensation for lost wages. All reasonable medical care is compensable. Pain and suffering is a standard civil award for personal injuries.
Call us to find out your legal rights to fully compensate you for your work related injuries.
Stay Tuned for Next Week’s Post: THE CIVIL CASE: Justice for the Injured Worker