In California, workers' compensation is mandatory for all employers, even if the company only has one employee. California law requires a business owner to carry workers' comp insurance for employees who regularly work in California, even if the business is headquartered in another state.
What is the workers' compensation system?
- The workers' compensation system was established to provide benefits to employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness. Benefits include medical treatment, payments for lost wages, payments to compensate any permanent impairment, retraining costs, and death benefits to the employee’s dependent(s).
What forms do I need to file a workers' compensation claim?
- Per Labor Code section 5401, you must provide a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1)& Notice of Potential Eligibility (e3301) to your employee within one working day of your knowledge of an injury. You must also provide the Employee’s Guide to the State Fund MPN by Harbor Health
What types of workplace injuries does workers’ compensation cover?
- Examples: hurting your hand, back, or other part of the body from doing the same motion over and over, losing your hearing because of constant loud noise. Workers’ compensation covers some, but not all, stress-related (psychological) injuries caused by your job.
What benefits can I claim for an injury at work?
- They can include: Medical Care. Paid for by your employer, to help you recover from an injury or illness caused by work. This includes doctor visits and other treatment services, tests, medicines, equipment, and travel costs reasonably necessary to treat your injury. Temporary Disability Benefits.
In CA, it is mandatory that all employers carry workers compensation insurance regardless of whether they have only one employee. Sole proprietors are not required to have workers compensation unless they are roofers. Roofers are specifically required to have this insurance.