In 2023, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that private industry employers reported approximately 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the US. 946,500 of these include days off from work.
How long can you be on workers’ compensation in California? Workers’ compensation law firm Barry Law Group says that your compensation depends on the type of benefits and the degree of your injury. You can no longer receive weekly payments beyond 104 weeks when receiving temporary disability benefits, a common type of workers’ compensation. You can spread receiving the payments so it can last until five years.Â
This article will go over everything you need to know about workers’ compensation in California.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California
When an employee sustains injuries at work, they may be eligible for various types of compensation benefits that can support them financially and help in their recovery.
According to https://www.thekaiserlawgroup.com/, insurance companies are well-known for doing their best to avoid costs, just like most employers. Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you are injured to guarantee that the amount you receive is fair and adequate to cover medical bills and other injury-related expenses.Â
Medical benefits are usually available for necessary treatment and medications.
Temporary disability benefits will provide you with dividends to compensate for lost wages if you are unable to work during your recovery.
Permanent disability benefits will compensate you for long-term functional impairments or permanent disabilities.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits will help you if you cannot return to your former position at work or find new employment.Â
Factors Affecting the Duration of Benefits
The severity and nature of your injury will affect how long you can receive compensation benefits in California. Serious injuries allow long-term benefits.
Your medical laboratory results and your doctor’s proposed treatment can affect your immediate return to work.Â
If you have a pre-existing condition, your recovery can be prolonged, which directly affects the length of time you can receive workers’ compensation benefits. Â
Another factor influencing the duration of your benefits is your employer’s insurance policy, which may have payment duration limitations.Â
The timing of your claim filing and any appeals may impact the amount of time you receive support.Â
Temporary vs. Permanent Disability BenefitsÂ
Temporary benefits and permanent disability benefits differ from each other.
Temporary disability benefits are the payments you receive while recuperating from a short-term work-related injury. The benefits will compensate you for lost income based on the period of time you are unable to work. Another factor that may affect your disability benefits is your doctor’s assessment of your maximum recovery period.Â
Permanent disability benefits apply if the injury results in permanent impairment that affects your capacity to work. These benefits are paid due to the long-term effect of damages to your earning capacity.Â
The Role of Medical Treatment in Benefit Duration
Good and timely medical treatment for work-related injuries will be important for your recovery.
Your healthcare provider determines the treatment plan you need to be healed. Follow your doctor’s advice for a great chance of recovering quickly.
Depending on the improvement in your condition, insurance adjusters can modify your benefits after assessing your medical records to see your progress.
Managing the Appeals Process for Extended Benefits
Gather important documents such as medical records and prior correspondence. File your appeal within the statute of limitations, which normally takes within twenty days from the decision date. Adhere to every deadline to avoid jeopardizing your claim.Â
Clearly state in your appeal letter the basis of your appeal and support it with evidence. If you find this process overwhelming, speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you effectively present your argument and evidence during the hearing.
Knowing how these factors affect the duration of your workers’ compensation allows you to plan ahead of time and continue to receive benefits.Â
 Guest writer
Editor’s note: Labour legislation differs from country to country so readers are advised to check with legal practitioners in their country for legal advice that is relevant to their circumstances.
