It may feel as though employers have all the power, but workers in California have rights that must be respected and upheld. Understanding your rights regarding workplace injuries is often key to securing the help and benefits you need after an accident. If you do not know what your rights are, it might be more difficult to secure workers’ compensation benefits.
If you are not sure where to start with getting your benefits, you are definitely not alone. Employers are not always forthcoming with important information and California laws are confusing. Firstly, you should know that your boss cannot fire you for an on-the-job injury. Knowing that your job will still be waiting for you during your recovery can help provide peace of mind in a difficult situation.
Your rights also include access to adequate medical care, both in the short and long term. Your employer or the insurance company will recommend a doctor for you to see, but you can see a different doctor if you are not receiving the right care or treatment. You may even qualify for vocational rehabilitation and training depending on the extent of your injuries.
Your injuries might even warrant temporary or even permanent disability. But before you can access all of these benefits you need to successfully navigate the California workers’ compensation system. Since the process can be quite complicated and the aftermath of workplace injuries is often overwhelming, you should be sure to learn as much as possible about your rights as a worker.