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Worker's Compensation

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If A Work Injury Occurs... California law guarantees certain benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their jobs. Any job-related injury is covered—even first-aid type injuries and work-related illnesses. The key is whether it was caused by the job. (Some injuries from voluntary, off-duty, recreational, social or athletic activity—for example, the company bowling team—may not be covered. Check with your supervisor or the claim administrator listed below if you have questions.) Workers' Compensation Benefits Include... Medical Care. All medical treatment—without a deductible or dollar limit. Costs are paid directly by the claim administrator, so you should never see a bill. The claim administrator will arrange medical treatment, often by a specialist for the particular injury. If you want to change doctors, your claim administrator will give you a list of doctors to choose from. (You can be treated immediately by your personal physician if you notify your employer in writing before the injury, otherwise your claim administrator can tell you how soon you can switch to your own doctor. Contact your employer or claim administrator for more information.) Payment for Lost Wages. If you're temporarily disabled by a job injury or illness, you'll receive tax-free income until your doctor says you are able to return to work. Payments are two-thirds of your average weekly pay, up to a maximum set by state law. Payments aren't made for the first three days unless you're hospitalized as an inpatient or unable to work more than 14 days. If the injury or illness results in permanent disability, additional payments will be made after recovery. If the injury results in death, benefits will be paid to surviving dependents. Rehabilitation. If the injury or illness prevents you from returning to your usual job, and a modified job or alternative work isn't offered by your employer, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. If so, the claim administrator will pay all costs up to a maximum set by state law. In The Event Of A Work Injury... Be sure first aid is given See that the injured employee is taken to a doctor or hospital, if necessary. Report all injuries IMMEDIATELY to your supervisor or Workers' Compensation Coordinator at (650) 363-4612 and request a claim form if it's more than a simple first-aid injury. Any delay in reporting an injury may delay workers' compensation benefits. See your employer representative or claim administrator if you have questions about workers' compensation. Emergency Telephone Numbers... For emergency within a County building, dial 9-911 Claims Administered By... NCM, Northern Claims Management, Inc. P.O.Box 6385 Santa Rosa, CA 95406 707-575-8887 If you have questions or need free information about workers' compensation, contact an information and assistance officer at the state Division of Workers' Compensation (1-800-736-7401) or at the local office listed below. 455 Golden Gate Ave San Francsico, CA 415-703-5011 Warning: WORKERS' COMPENSATION FRAUD IS A FELONY. Anyone who knowingly files or assists in the filing of a false workers' compensation claim may be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison for up to five years (Insurance Code Section 1871.4).