Before You Get Injured
Basic infomation every employee should know about work-related injuries includes:
Benefits for the Injured Worker
Get familiar with the workers' compensation benefits to which the law entitles you. These should be conspicuously posted at your place of work (LC 3550), and include:
- Medical Treatment
- Temporary Disability
- Permanent Disability
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Acute In-Patient Hospital Services
- Out-Patient Services, including:
- Chiropractic and physical therapy
- Diagnostic and treatment services
- Occupational therapy
- Other outpatient basis hospital services
- Other services, such as
- Workplace safety and health services
- How to avoid work related injuries
- Education on creating a safer workplace
- Return to work programs
- Modified work programs
A detailed list of benefits can be found at the California Division of Workers' Compensation section of the official State of California web site.
Predesignated Treating Physician and Medical Control
When you are hired (LC 3551), or upon request, (LC 3552) your employer must provide you with information so you can select your own Predesignated Treating Physician (LC 4600, 4601, CCR 9780.1). This code allows you to select your own doctor in the event of a work related injury, and lets you maintain medical control of the case. Complete the form and provide one copy to your human resources department and one to your doctor.
Posting Requirements of the Employer
The employer is required to post your workers' compensation benefits in a place that is frequented by employees. If an employer fails to do this, they lose medical control of your case (LC 3550).
Joining a Company Sponsored HCO
An HCO is like an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), and their objective
is to control costs (meaning "limit benefits"), and retain medical
control of claims. If you join an HCO you may be giving up control of your
medical care for up to one year, and usually there are no additional benefits.
Ultimately, it is your decision, but we recommend retaining control of your
own health care.