California Workers’ Compensation Overview for Riverside Workers

A workplace injury can change everything in a moment. Many employees in Riverside are surprised to learn how common work injuries really are. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, millions of workers nationwide suffer job-related injuries and illnesses every year, and thousands lose their lives due to workplace accidents.

When an injury happens, the impact goes far beyond physical pain. Families often struggle with medical bills, reduced income, and pressure to return to work before they are ready. This is exactly why California’s workers’ compensation system exists. It provides injured workers with medical care, wage replacement, and support during recovery.

What California Law Requires From Employers

In California, all employers must carry workers’ compensation coverage. They can purchase insurance or apply to be self-insured through the Department of Industrial Relations. Workers’ compensation is a no fault system, which means:

• You do not need to prove your employer caused your injury
• You can still receive benefits even if the accident was partly your fault

In exchange, workers usually cannot sue their employer for negligence. There are important exceptions, and our team helps Riverside families understand when those exceptions apply.

What Workers’ Compensation Covers

California’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits designed to help you recover and return to stability.

Medical Care

Your employer’s insurance must pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury. This may include:

• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Hospital care
• Prescription medications
• Medical devices
• Travel reimbursement for doctor appointments

You do not need to use your private insurance for treatment. Most employers use a Medical Provider Network (MPN), which is a list of approved doctors. We help workers understand their options inside or outside the MPN when disputes arise.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working, temporary disability benefits help replace part of your lost income. These payments are typically two thirds of your average weekly wages and continue until you are able to return to work, up to California’s statutory limits.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury causes long-term or permanent limitations, a doctor may assign a disability rating. This rating determines how much permanent disability compensation you receive. Workers with severe disabilities may also qualify for a life pension.

Job Displacement Benefits

If you cannot return to your old job after you recover, you may be eligible for a $6,000 Suplemental Job Diplacement benefit (SJDB) retraining voucher. This voucher pays for approved job training, career courses, tools, and certifications to help you transition into a new line of work.

Death Benefits for Families

When a worker passes away because of a job-related injury or illness, California provides financial support to surviving dependents. This may include spouses, children, and others who relied on the worker for financial support. The state also pays for burial expenses. Read more through the Department of Industrial Relations: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc.

How to Start a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Riverside

If you were injured at work or learned that your condition is job-related, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer must provide you with a DWC-1 claim form within one business day.

Filling out this form completely and accurately is very important because it starts the official claims process. After the form is submitted, the insurance company investigates and decides whether to approve or deny your claim.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to challenge that decision. Our team helps Riverside workers understand their options and guides them through appeals and medical evaluations.

To know more about the steps, read here: 16 Steps of a Workers Compensation Lawsuit in California

When an Employer Does Not Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Some employers illegally fail to carry workers’ compensation coverage. If that happens, you are not out of options. California allows injured workers to:

• File a workers’ compensation claim with the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund
• File a civil lawsuit against the employer for damages

This can include full wage loss, medical costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in some cases. We help workers pursue the compensation they are entitled to when employers violate the law.

When Someone Else Is Responsible for Your Injury

Not all workplace injuries are caused by the employer. Sometimes a third party is responsible, such as:

• A subcontractor
• A property owner
• A delivery driver
• A defective equipment manufacturer

In these situations, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawsuit can provide additional compensation, including pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not cover.

What About Independent Contractors?

Independent contractors are generally not covered by workers’ compensation. But misclassification is very common in California. If you were labeled as a contractor but your work was controlled like an employee, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may also have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Helpful Resources

FAQs About Workers Comp