How Impairment Ratings Are Determined After a Work Injury
After a work injury in California, one of the key steps in a workers’ compensation case is determining the worker’s impairment rating. This rating reflects the level of permanent medical impairment caused by the injury once the worker’s condition has stabilized. The impairment rating becomes an important part of calculating permanent disability benefits under California…
Understanding a Findings and Award Decision
In a California workers’ compensation case, a Findings and Award is a written decision issued by a workers’ compensation judge after a trial or formal hearing. It resolves disputed issues and orders the payment of benefits when the injured worker prevails on some or all of the claims. This decision becomes part of the official…
When Independent Bill Review Is Used in a Workers’ Compensation Case
Independent Bill Review, commonly referred to as IBR, is a process used in California workers’ compensation cases to resolve disputes about payment for medical services. It provides a neutral review when a medical provider disagrees with how an insurance company or claims administrator paid a medical bill. The purpose of IBR is to ensure that…
What Is Independent Medical Review in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
Independent Medical Review, often called IMR, is a process used in California workers’ compensation cases to resolve disputes about medical treatment. When an insurance company denies, delays, or modifies a doctor’s request for treatment, the injured worker may have the right to request an independent review. The goal of IMR is to determine whether the…
FEHA and Workers’ Compensation: What Injured Employees Should Know
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.…
Your Rights Under the FMLA After a Work-Related Injury
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…
Understanding the Role of a Disability Rater in Workers’ Comp
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…
