What exactly is workers compensation?
ok so i got hurt at work and now they are having people call me about workers compensation. im still fairly young and havnt had THAT much job experience so i dont know what this is exactly. does workers comp just pay for your medical bills and do u still have to work? or do u get to stay at home and go to physical therapy and the doctors (they told me i have to go to both) and still get paid? im in California if that helps. thanks
Workers compensation should cover your medical expenses and a certain percentage of your salary only IF your doctor determines you cannot go back to work. Realistically, most physicians try to get you back to work as SOON as possible…even if on light duty because all the evidence shows that those who do NOT return to work in a timely manner have very poor outcomes. Yet, for some, it is necessary that they remain at home.
If you are supposed to stay at home, you can only collect worker’s compensation after a predetermined time….this may vary by state, but is one week where I live. In otherwords, you have to be off at least this amount of time before you can collect anything. Also, your compensation check is usually much less than your actual salary…60% in my state. It depends on the nature of your injury and opinion of the physician.
Good luck for a speedy recovery
Calif wating period is 3 days, after that the checks should come on
or about your regular pay day. 66.66% of your average weekly wage
will be due as long as your PTP says there is need…UP TO…104
weeks payable with in 5 years. Go to the DWC web site and read the
facts sheets for IW’s there is alot of information thats will
explain the process http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/InjuredWorker.htm