Changes in the Law
The Results of Workers' Compensation ReformThe California legislature enacted changes to the state's workers' compensation system between 2002 and 2004. The changes were aimed at decreasing the cost of workers' compensation insurance to employers while improving medical care for injured workers. Know Your Rights—Call 1-800-662-9807A state report on the result of workers' compensation reforms shows that workers' compensation insurance coverage rates have decreased by 46 percent. The cost of benefits has declined $8.1 billion. The largest savings is from services provided to people with permanent disabilities. It is clear that the reforms have met the goal of decreasing workers' comp costs to employers. But has medical care for injured workers truly improved when billions less is being spent on their care? A Reduction in ClaimsHere in San Jose and throughout the state, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of people filing workers' compensation claims since the new legislation went into effect. Many injured workers have the mistaken impression that they can no longer receive workers compensation benefits at all unless they have suffered a catastrophic on-the-job injury. That's just not the case. Injured workers still have a right to compensation for medical care and lost wages. Today, however, the system is much more complex. The system adds layers of bureaucracy that makes it much harder for injured workers to navigate the system and get results. Many times, they just give up. That is why it is more important than ever to be represented by a skilled workers' compensation lawyer who knows the law and knows how to help you obtain all the benefits you are eligible to receive. If you have been injured at work, don't give up. Contact an attorney at the Boccardo Law Firm today. Our attorneys know how to make the workers' compensation system work for you. We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss your rights. Free Consultation ∙ 73 Years of Experience ∙ Se habla español |
