Posts by pcdev

In California, an injured worker may be protected by both the state’s workers’ compensation system and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). While workers’ compensation provides medical care and wage replacement after a job-related injury, FEHA protects workers from discrimination and ensures equal treatment in the workplace, especially for those with lasting medical restrictions.…

After a job-related injury, many workers focus on medical treatment and workers’ compensation benefits, but may not realize they also have protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). For eligible employees, FMLA provides job protection during time off for serious health conditions, including those caused by workplace injuries. Understanding how FMLA works alongside…

In California workers’ compensation cases, a disability rater plays a key role in determining the amount of permanent disability benefits an injured worker may receive. The disability rater works within the Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) of the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). This individual is responsible for reviewing medical reports and applying the appropriate formulas…

In California workers’ compensation cases, the disability rating is one of the most important factors in determining how much permanent disability compensation an injured worker may receive. Once a worker has reached maximum medical improvement, a rating is assigned to reflect how the injury affects their long-term ability to work. This rating is expressed as…

California Labor Code section 132a makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a worker for filing a workers’ compensation claim or for having a job-related injury. This section of the law is designed to protect injured workers from retaliation and to ensure that they can exercise their legal rights without fear of being…

The Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS) is California’s case management system for handling workers’ compensation disputes. It is used by the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), judges, attorneys, claims administrators, and other parties to file documents, schedule hearings, and track case activity. While injured workers do not file directly into EAMS, it plays a central…

In a California workers’ compensation case, a commutation refers to the process of converting future disability payments into a lump-sum payment. This means the injured worker receives a portion of their award all at once instead of through weekly or biweekly payments. Commutations must be approved by a workers’ compensation judge and are typically used…

A Compromise and Release (C&R) is a type of settlement agreement used in California workers’ compensation cases. When an injured worker and the insurance company agree to resolve the claim, a C&R allows the injured worker to receive a lump-sum payment in exchange for closing the case permanently. This includes giving up the right to…

A cumulative injury, also referred to as a CT injury in California workers’ compensation cases, occurs when repetitive work activities over time lead to a physical or mental condition. Unlike a specific injury that results from a single event, a cumulative injury builds gradually and may not be noticed right away. These injuries are common…

In a California workers’ compensation case, the date of injury is a critical detail. It determines when benefits may begin, how long you have to report the injury, and which laws apply to your claim. The date of injury is not always the same in every case, it depends on the type of injury and…