5 Big Myths About Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits are available to eligible workers who suffer injuries on the job.

Workers’ compensation benefits can help provide temporary or even permanent assistance for injured employees. 

However, there are several myths regarding workers compensation benefits. While many might be true, others aren’t, and the belief that these ideas are real can hinder someone’s likelihood of filing a claim.

I can’t choose my own doctor.

This is false. In the state of California, injured employees receiving workers’ compensation benefits can predesignate their own doctor to ensure that their requested medical group is treating them. 

A doctor could be selected for the injured worker if they do not predesignate. Even then, injured employees can often choose a doctor from their employer’s list of recommended physicians. 

I should file my claim as quickly as possible.

A common misconception about workers’ compensation benefits is that injured employees can file a claim whenever they’d like. This isn’t true, and employees shouldn’t wait. 

The statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim in the state of California is one year from the date of the injury or illness, so it’s important to report the injury as quickly as possible. 

I work for a small company, we probably don’t have workers’ compensation benefits.

Whether there are one or 1,000 employees, all companies in California are legally required to offer workers’ compensation benefits. 

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to protect you in the event of a work injury. If you work for a smaller company and they claim they don’t offer workers’ comp, it’s important to speak to an attorney as quickly as possible.

I can’t receive benefits if my claim is denied.

While there is no way to guarantee you won’t receive benefits, the fight is not over just because your claim is denied. While you can appeal your claim’s denial, you can also seek help from an LA workers’ compensation benefits attorney. 

It’s important to remember specific deadlines, such as the statute of limitations.

I can lose my job.

Similarly, there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t be terminated. California is an at-will employment state, meaning that an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any legal reason.

However, there are many laws designed to help protect workers. For example, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act makes it illegal for employers to terminate their employees on the basis of a physical disability or medical condition. 

If you have any questions regarding workers’ compensation benefits, you can always speak with an attorney. 

You have every right to workers’ compensation benefits, and you deserve the maximum amount of benefits possible. At C&B Law Group, our dedicated Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyers will fight within our legal power for your justice. 

Workers’ compensation benefits might include:

Medical care paid by an injured worker’s employer to help with the recovery following an injury or illness.

Temporary disability benefits, which are payments to help with income if your injury prevents you from performing your work functions as you recover.

Permanent disability benefits, which are payments if you can’t or won’t completely recover from your injuries.

Supplemental job displacement benefits, which are vouchers you can use to help pay for job retraining or a new skill if you can’t return to your original position of employment.

Death benefits, which are payments to one’s spouse, children or other dependents if you die following your job injury or illness.

Don’t let common myths worry you regarding a workplace injury. Talk to our team of LA workers’ comp attorneys.

Remember, we work on a contingency basis, so you don’t owe us any attorney fees until your case is successfully settled. Additionally, your first consultation with our team is free.

Contact C&B Law Group today!