The workers’ compensation system was initially developed by state and federal governments to provide a methodic way for compensating workers who have been injured while on the job and to combat the option of suing one’s employer. For many reasons, the system has now evolved into one that is adversarial. The vantage of your employer’s insurance company usually prevails and the medical and monetary benefits you need and deserve are usually delayed and/or denied.
Though the State of California heavily regulates the workers’ comp system, benefits are paid by an employers’ workers’ compensation insurance policy. Any disputes between an employee and the insurance company are litigated in the State system, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). With all things considered, if you have a severe injury or permanent disability resulting from a work related injury, the sooner you identify your rights the better the results will be in your case.