A new year always brings change. For 2020, this include changes to workers’ compensation benefits and policies for California workers. It’s important to be aware of these changes, as they may impact your current workers’ compensation case and will certainly change any future cases.
The following changes have been enacted as of January 1, 2020:
- An increase in workers’ compensation benefits: Because California determines the annual temporary total disability based on the state average weekly wage, and the wage is going up, so is the amount of temporary total disability (TTD) benefits you can expect to receive.
- More workers will be counted as employees: California Assembly Bill 5 will limit employers from classifying workers as independent contractors, rather than as employees. This means that more workers will be entitled to greater labor protections, including being eligible for workers’ compensation.
These changes mean that more workers will be eligible to receive workers’ compensation, and even more benefits than before.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workers’ compensation is available to any employee who has been injured in the workplace, with compensation coming from the employer’s insurance.
Types of workers’ comp cases can include:
- Occupational illnesses
- Workers’ compensation denials
- Firefighter and police injury claims
- Temporary disability claims
- Permanent disability claims
- Supplemental job displacement
- Death benefits
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible, as workers have just 30 days under California law to report the injury in order to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience
The lawyers at Smolich and Smolich have served the injured and disabled in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and social security cases as a firm for over 50 years, giving them the experience and skills needed to help clients achieve maximum compensation for their suffering. No matter what the situation or injury, we believe that all our clients deserve justice, and we don’t rest until we know they can move on with their lives safely and securely. We help provide a voice for our victims as they go through this difficult time. You can trust us to stay by your side as you make this transition into recovery.
If your rights as an employee are being violated, call Smolich and Smolich for a free consultation at (916) 571-0400, or contact us online. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have thorough knowledge of the law and have years of experience in advocating for our clients’ rights to fair and full compensation.