Employers in California are legally obligated to purchase and maintain no-fault workers’ compensation insurance coverage (Labor Code § 3700). As an employer, you have certain legal obligations under our state’s workers’ compensation laws. Failure to abide by these duties could lead to a number of different legal problems. In this article, our Bakersfield workers’ compensation defense attorney highlights your most basic responsibilities as an employer in California.
Three Things that California Employers Need to Do
There are steps that employers need to take proactively before any type of work accident ever happens. Here are three key obligations of the employer:
- Purchase the Proper Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage: California employers must secure workers’ compensation insurance coverage as soon as they hire their first employee. This insurance protects both the employer and the employee in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Provide New Employees with Basic Information: It is crucial for California employers to provide new hires with essential information about their rights, responsibilities, and benefits. This includes outlining company policies, detailing workers’ compensation procedures, and presenting information on any available disability benefits.
- Display a Legally Compliant “Notice to Employees” in the Workplace: California employers are required to prominently display a “Notice to Employees” poster in a conspicuous location within the workplace. This poster should include information about workers’ compensation coverage, the process for reporting injuries or illnesses, and contact information for the company’s insurance carrier.
Three Things that California Employers Need to Do When an Employer is Hurt on the Job
Once an accident happens in the workplace, it is imperative that employers respond proactively. Here are three “post-accident” duties of employers in California:
- Provide the Injured Worker with the Claim Forms Within One Day: California employers have an obligation to provide an injured worker with a Claim Form (DWC-1) within one day of learning about the injury or illness. Timely distribution of this form is crucial.
- Return a Copy and Forward the Claim Form Within One Day of Receipt: Upon receiving a completed DWC-1 Claim Form from the injured employee, employers must act quickly to return a signed and dated copy to the worker and forward the original form to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- Pre-Authorize Up to $10,000.00 in Medical Care for the Injured Worker: California law mandates that employers must pre-authorize up to $10,000.00 in medical care for injured workers, even before the workers’ compensation claim has been accepted or denied. This provision ensures that employees can receive prompt and necessary medical treatment for their work-related injuries or illnesses.
Set Up Your Confidential Consultation with a Bakersfield, CA Workers’ Compensation Defense Lawyer
At Yrulegui & Roberts, we are committed to doing all of the little things required to provide the highest level of workers’ compensation defense representation. If you have any questions about your workers’ compensation related duties as an employer, we can help. Contact us right away to arrange a confidential case evaluation. We represent businesses and organizations in Bakersfield, Kern County, and communities beyond.
