Worker's comp insurance benefits are designed to help cover the costs associated with medical care after a workplace injury. Although acceptance of these benefits usually precludes legal action against an employer, employees who are denied benefits can file suit to recover money they are owed. Third parties may also be found liable for workplace accidents.
Possibly due to fraud in the system, it seems like it's getting tougher for workers to get paid for legitimate injuries. California Governor Schwarzenegger passed legislation in 2005 that reduced eligibility for direct payments and medical care costs for injured workers. Additionally, corporations are taking measures to avoid paying employees' worker's comp benefits. On March 3, 2010, California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown filed suit against a construction company called Country Builders, Inc. based in Livermore, CA. The AG claims that the company "cheated workers out of wages" and falsified company records to reduce the company's worker's compensation premiums. According to Brown's office, the company owes employees more than $1 million.
Making Ends Meet
Even when benefits are granted, California worker's compensation wages are often not enough to cover most living expenses or medical costs. The cost of living in northern California, combined with supporting a family or other dependants, can be overwhelming if you're trying to live off of worker's comp payments.
If you've been injured at work, you have to work with an attorney who handles worker's comp claims on a regular basis. An experienced worker's comp attorney can examine your case for details that you might miss on your own. Additionally, a Modesto worker's comp attorney can take on large corporations to fight for your money. Your employer has lawyers working hard on their side, and you should too. Particularly in times of economic recession, it seems that companies are doing all they can to avoid paying workers what is owed. But you don't have to be a victim. A reputable lawyer will take on your case and only get paid when you do.
