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What Is the Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) in a California Workers’ Compensation Case?
The Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU) is a division within California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) that reviews medical reports and calculates permanent disability ratings. These ratings are used to determine how much compensation an injured worker may receive for a lasting impairment resulting from a work-related injury or illness. The DEU plays an important role…
Read MoreWhat Is Disability in a California Workers’ Compensation Case?
In a California workers’ compensation case, the term disability refers to how a job-related injury or illness affects a worker’s ability to earn wages. Disability is not just about a medical condition—it is about whether the injury limits or prevents the worker from performing their job and earning income. California workers’ compensation law recognizes two…
Read MoreWhat Is the Description of Employee’s Job Duties (DWC Form AD 10133.33)?
The Description of Employee’s Job Duties, also known as DWC Form AD 10133.33, is a form used in California workers’ compensation cases to document the physical and mental requirements of an injured worker’s job. It is used during the return-to-work process when a worker has permanent restrictions that may affect their ability to perform their…
Read MoreWhat Is a Denied Claim in a California Workers’ Compensation Case?
In a California workers’ compensation case, a denied claim means the insurance company or self-insured employer has decided that it is not legally responsible for providing benefits for your injury or illness. This may apply to the entire claim or only certain parts of it, such as medical treatment or disability payments. A denial does…
Read MoreCan you collect workers’ comp and short-term disability at the same time?
In most cases, the answer is no, but there are exceptions and specific situations where benefits may overlap. In California, workers who are temporarily unable to work due to an injury or illness may have access to wage replacement through different benefit programs. If your condition is work-related, workers’ compensation will usually apply. If it…
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 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 MoreAre Volunteer Firefighters in California Covered Under Workers Compensation?
Volunteer firefighters play a vital role in protecting our communities, often putting themselves at risk to safeguard others. In California, many people wonder if these brave individuals are entitled to workers compensation benefits in the event of an injury while performing their duties. The answer, in short, is yes. Workers Compensation for Volunteer Firefighters in…
Read MoreWhat is AOE and COE in California Workers Compensation?
When it comes to workers compensation in California, two key terms often come up: AOE and COE. These abbreviations stand for “Arising Out of Employment” (AOE) and “Course of Employment” (COE), which are both essential factors in determining whether a workers injury is eligible for workers compensation benefits. What Does AOE Mean? “Arising Out of…
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