If you get injured while performing your job duties, you may have a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The California work comp system recognizes that some injuries can leave a worker permanently disabled.
If your injury has impacted your ability to work in the future, you can apply for permanent disability benefits.
Medical evaluation: a key step
After your initial treatment for an on-the-job injury, your physician will determine if you need any additional interventions. At this time, your doctor may decide that medical treatment will not fully resolve your injuries. You will need to obtain a full medical assessment to list the extent of your injuries and the expected duration of any deficiencies.
Your physician will also need to review your condition carefully so they can attest that a work-related incident caused the damage and lingering effects. The doctor’s assessment is crucial for your workers’ compensation application. You need to ensure that the physician has experience treating your condition and can fully describe your illness in the assessment.
The workers’ compensation application
After a physician has determined that your injury permanently prevents you from returning to work, you must submit a claim to the workers’ compensation claims administrator. The claims administrator will assign you a permanent disability rating to determine the level of benefits you can receive. In determining that rating, the claims administrator considers your job, the nature of the injury, and your age.
Permanent workers’ compensation won’t pay for your pain and suffering, but it can help replace some of the income you lose from not being able to work.