History of Work Comp
Prior to 1911, California did not have a formal Workmans' Compensation Plan. If an employee was hurt on the job, the only recourse they had was to sue the employer for damages.
By 1913 the Boynton act made Workmans' Compensation coverage mandatory for most employees and by 1917, the California legislature passed the "Workmans' Compensation Insurance and Safety Act". Over the years, there have been significant changes to the rules and regulations which make up the current, Workers' Compensation Law of California.
During the development of the Workers' Compensation system, a " Historic Compromise" was reached. The injured worker trades off rights in exchange for benefits. The employer provides benefits in exchange for liability. By law, the employer must provide workers' compensation benefits to their employees. The system is a "no fault" system; neither the employer nor the employee is considered "at fault" if there is an injury. The benefits are predetermined and fixed. In exchange for providing this benefit, the employer is protected against costly and timely litigation. It is an exclusive remedy, benefits in exchange for rights.
Since its inception, the system has become ever more complicated. This is
why you want to be treated by a doctor that knows the system and has your
best interests in mind.