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What Is an Application for Adjudication of Claim in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
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,…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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,…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreCarpal 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…
Read MoreOccupational 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…
Read MoreUnderstanding California Labor Code Section 4850: Benefits for Public Safety Employees
California workers’ compensation laws provide important protections and benefits for employees who are injured on the job. For public safety employees such as police officers, firefighters, and sheriff’s deputies, one unique provision offers enhanced benefits during recovery: California Labor Code Section 4850. This law provides specific compensation for these employees who face higher risks while…
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