Law

What Does California’s Workers’ Comp Law Say?

Indio is a city in Riverside County of California, US. The job market here has increased by 2.2% over the last year, and the future job growth in Indio is expected to be 37%, which is even higher than the US average of 33%. That means, if you are looking for a job with a handsome salary, Indio, CA, can be the best place to start your search. But before joining any company, it is imperative to acquaint yourself with various workers’ laws and regulations of the country. One of the most important laws that every worker must be aware of is workers comp medical in Indio, CA.

California’s Worker’s Compensation Law

Under California workers’ comp laws, an injured worker has the right to receive medical care reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of injury at the employer’s expense. As per the California government law, after getting injured, once you have filed your claim within one working day, you are entitled to immediate initial medical care up to a cost of $10,000. Even if the claim adjuster is reviewing your claim and is yet to decide whether to accept or deny your claim, you will get immediate medical treatment from your employer. This treatment would include all necessary diagnostic, nursing care, medication, crutches, acupuncture, orthotic and prosthetic devices, surgical chiropractic, and other medical services.

Then, if your claim is denied, you are free to file your case at the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board and fight for further medical treatment. Or, if it is accepted, you get an option to select your Primary Treating Physician (PTP) and Agreed Medical Examiner (AME). But, remember that since this selection requires the participation of the injured worker, California law only grants this choice if there is an attorney representing the injured worker to ensure the injured worker is not getting tricked into selecting unfavorable PTP and AME by unscrupulous insurance adjusters.

Worker’s Compensation Medical Benefits

Any medical dealing required to treat or relieve the effects of job-associated damage or illness will certainly be paid by either the employer or the insurance company offering coverage.

When an injury occurs at work, the first thing you need to do is inform your employer. It will further notify their insurance company to determine what you should be compensated for your injury. It is advisable to have a workers’ compensation attorney alongside you at this stage even before the insurance company representative comes for negotiation; otherwise, it may cost you the compensation you are entitled to.

The insurance company representative will come with their doctor and examine your injuries. Further, the insurance company will pay for all your medical needs, including:

  • Doctors visits
  • Cost of hospitalization
  • Any physical therapy
  • Physical reinstatement
  • Medical tests
  • Prescription drugs
  • Any prostheses
  • Travel expenses

However, when you read the maximum medical improvement (MMI), you may require to pay a nominal fee as a co-payment per visit for medical treatments. MMI occurs when the doctor treating you determines that your injury has healed to the point and you do not need any more care or treatment. It is important to remember that if you are receiving benefits from workers comp medical in Indio, CA, and if you willfully fail to attend medical appointments, you may jeopardize your benefits. So the last piece of advice for you is to comply with the medical treatment; not only will it be in your best interest physically, it will keep your employer and the insurance company from having a reason to terminate your benefits.