What Is AOE/COE in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

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…

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What Is Apportionment in a California Workers’ Compensation Case?

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…

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What Is an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

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…

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What Is the Administrative Director (AD) in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

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…

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What Is the American Medical Association (AMA) in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

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…

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What Is an Accepted Claim in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

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,…

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What Is Alternative Work in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

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…

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Carpal Tunnel Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Cases

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…

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Occupational Injuries That Lead to California Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workplace injuries happen in every industry, affecting thousands of employees across California each year. When an injury occurs on the job, workers may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs through the state’s workers’ compensation system. Understanding the types of injuries that most commonly result in workers’ compensation claims…

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