The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace. In a workers’ compensation case, the ADA may apply if an injured worker develops a lasting impairment that affects their ability to perform their job. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to help injured workers return…
In a California workers’ compensation case, the terms AOE (Arising Out of Employment) and COE (Occurring in the Course of Employment) are used to determine whether an injury is work-related and eligible for benefits. If an injury meets both conditions, the worker may qualify for medical treatment and disability benefits through workers’ compensation. What Does…
In California workers’ compensation cases, an Application for Adjudication of Claim (often called an application or app) is a legal document that formally opens a case with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Injured workers file this application when there is a dispute over benefits, such as a denied claim or disagreements about medical treatment,…
In a California workers’ compensation case, apportionment refers to the process of determining what percentage of an injured worker’s disability is caused by their workplace injury versus a pre-existing condition or prior injury. If an injury is partially work-related and partially due to a previous condition, the worker’s permanent disability benefits may be reduced based…
In a California workers’ compensation case, medical disputes can arise regarding the severity of an injury, the need for treatment, or the level of disability. When this happens, the injured worker and the insurance company may agree to use an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) to provide an independent medical opinion. The AME plays a critical…
In California’s workers’ compensation system, the Administrative Director (AD) is responsible for overseeing the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and ensuring that the system operates fairly and efficiently. The AD enforces regulations, manages medical treatment guidelines, and oversees dispute resolution processes to protect the rights of injured workers and employers. What Are the Duties of…
The American Medical Association (AMA) is a national organization that sets medical standards and guidelines for healthcare professionals. In California workers’ compensation cases, the AMA’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment play a major role in determining the level of disability for injured workers. These guidelines help assess how a workplace injury affects a…
When a worker is injured on the job in California, they must file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. If the insurance company approves the claim, it is considered an accepted claim. This means the insurer agrees that the injury or illness is work-related and will provide benefits such as medical treatment, disability payments,…
After a work-related injury, an employee may not be able to return to their original job. In California, employers may offer alternative work as a way to keep the injured worker employed while accommodating their medical restrictions. This can affect the worker’s eligibility for benefits, including supplemental job displacement benefits (SJDB). When Is Alternative Work…
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects thousands of workers across various industries. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, which can impact a person’s ability to perform even the…
