What Will California Workers’ Compensation Changes Mean for Employees?

Staff Writer, April 6, 2009

According to some of the top California attorneys, workers’ compensation in their state is one of the lowest rates in the country. When the laws regarding this compensation were changed five years ago, employees were put at an even greater disadvantage. However, with the cost of medical expenses rapidly on the rise, the California government is looking to shake the system up once again, but this time, in favor of the workers.

Those who were most affected by the previous reform were individuals with permanent disabilities, because of a work related accident or illness. Their benefits were slashed by anywhere from 50 to 70 percent, and they were not provided with an appropriate amount of money to pay for their lingering medical expenses.

Though the governor has vetoed three separate bills in the past to increase benefits for workers with permanent disabilities, injury lawyers are confident that changes will now be made, so that their clients are able to provide a living for themselves and their families. The increase in benefits is expected to be about 16 percent and will go into effect on July 1 of this year.

Advocates for further benefits to those collecting workers’ compensation are hesitant to discuss details, because many of the new regulations are still being hammered out, and many are being debated by employers and insurers.