Workers' Compensation News & Updates
For more than four decades, GEKLAW’s attorneys have followed every turn in California’s workers’ compensation system: new laws out of Sacramento, appellate decisions, benefit-rate changes, and the hazards workers face on the job. This page brings every article we have published together in one place.
Start with a topic, read the latest updates, or browse the full archive, newest first. Each article carries its original publication date. Laws and benefit figures change, so for advice about your own claim, talk to one of our attorneys. The consultation is free.
Browse by topic
Benefits, Claims & PaymentsTemporary and permanent disability, rate changes, vouchers, settlements, and the insurer tactics that affect what injured workers receive.28 articles →
Medical Care, QME, UR & IMRChoosing a doctor, utilization review, independent medical review, QMEs, and what to do when treatment is delayed or denied.24 articles →
Laws, Courts & LegislationNew legislation, the bills we fought for and against, and the court decisions that change how claims are decided.29 articles →
Workers' Rights by IndustryTeachers, nurses, housekeepers, warehouse and farm workers: the hazards of specific jobs and the rights every worker shares.23 articles →
Workplace Safety & HealthHeat illness, toxic exposure, repetitive stress, shift work, and the conditions that build up over time.16 articles →
COVID-19 & Workers' CompensationHow COVID-19 changed workers' comp: presumptions, SB 1159, Cal/OSHA rules, supplemental sick leave and long COVID.15 articles →
Public Safety OfficersPresumptive injuries, Labor Code 4850 salary continuation, PTSD, disability retirement, and the cases that affect officers.20 articles →
Firm News & RecognitionPeer recognition, partner promotions, awards, and our team's work in the community.31 articles →
Latest updates
Benefits & ClaimsWhen a Workers’ Comp Case Involves Other Legal Claims
Workers' Comp Disability Benefits Are Going Up in 2026 — Here's What That Means
Quality QME Guide: Avoid the #1 Mistake Injured Workers Make
Laws & Courts2025 California Workers' Compensation Bills to Watch
Medical Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases in 2025
Craftsmanship and Gratitude: A Special Gift for GEKLAW
Workers' Comp Disability Benefits Are Going Up in 2026 — Here's What That Means
Quality QME Guide: Avoid the #1 Mistake Injured Workers Make
Laws & Courts2025 California Workers' Compensation Bills to Watch
Medical Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases in 2025
Craftsmanship and Gratitude: A Special Gift for GEKLAW
Start here: essential guides
Every article, newest first
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2026
- When a Workers’ Comp Case Involves Other Legal Claims Benefits & Claims
- Workers' Comp Disability Benefits Are Going Up in 2026 — Here's What That Means Benefits & Claims
2025
- Quality QME Guide: Avoid the #1 Mistake Injured Workers Make Medical Care & IMR
- 2025 California Workers' Compensation Bills to Watch Laws & Courts
- Medical Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases in 2025 Benefits & Claims
2024
- Craftsmanship and Gratitude: A Special Gift for GEKLAW Firm News
- Entitlement to Temporary Disability Payments When Employer Fails to Adequately Communicate Offer of Modified Work Benefits & Claims
- Conditions That May Qualify for Federal Government Disability Benefits Benefits & Claims
- Bill 1870: Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Legislation to Boost Workers' Rights Laws & Courts
2023
- Permanent Disability Benefits Within California's Workers' Compensation System Benefits & Claims
- Understanding Cumulative Trauma Injuries…Know Your Rights Benefits & Claims
- WORKERS' COMPENSATION UPDATE: Presumption of Injury for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Peace Officers and Firefighters Public Safety
2022
- GEKLAW's Los Angeles Office Is on the Move Firm News
- New Laws Starting in 2023 Improve Benefits for Legally Presumptive Injuries for Public Safety Officers Public Safety
- Salary Continuation Bill for CalFire Approved by Governor Newsom Public Safety
- Adam D. Dombchik Named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® Firm News
- GEK Attorneys Named as 2022 Super Lawyers Firm News
- Workers Continue to Face COVID Safety Issues with New Omicron Variant COVID-19
- What Is a Workers' Compensation Deposition in California? Benefits & Claims
- Temporary Total Disability Rates Have Increased Benefits & Claims
2021
- New Law Provides Additional Safety Measures for Utility Workers Laws & Courts
- URGENT UPDATE: COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Has Expired COVID-19
- COVID-19 Long-Haul Syndrome and Workers' Compensation Benefits COVID-19
- Four GEK Attorneys Named as Best Lawyers in America® Firm News
- Richard I. Felton Receives Special Honor by Best Lawyers® Firm News
- GEK Continues Its Support of the Police Unity Tour Public Safety
- COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Continues to Provide Relief COVID-19
- Fifty Years Later, OSHA Continues to Focus on Job Safety for Workers Safety & Health
- GEK Attorney Volunteers to Help Empower Indigenous Communities Firm News
- California Workers Are Eligible for 80 Hours of Paid COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave COVID-19
- Four GEK Attorneys Named as 2021 Super Lawyers Firm News
- Hero Pay and Increased Vaccination Availability Offer Hope During the Pandemic COVID-19
- Four Attorneys Promoted to Partner at GEKLAW Firm News
2020
- Cal/OSHA Mandates New COVID-19 Regulations COVID-19
- New Laws Designed to Protect Workers During the Pandemic COVID-19
- Four GEK Attorneys Named as Best Lawyers in America® Firm News
- Working from Home During COVID-19—and Beyond… A New, Broader Lens On Workers' Compensation COVID-19
- Cal/OSHA Sets New Guidelines for Workplace Health and Safety During COVID-19 COVID-19
- Executive Order Reduces the Burden on California's Workers Who Contract COVID-19 COVID-19
- GEK Continues to Serve Injured Workers During the Pandemic Firm News
- COVID-19 and Your Rights Under California's Workers' Compensation System COVID-19
- Burden of Proof May Create a Barrier to Receiving Workers' Compensation Benefits for COVID-19 Each State Is Different COVID-19
- COVID-19's Possible Impact on the State's Workers' Compensation System COVID-19
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) and California’s Workers’ Compensation Law—What You Should Know COVID-19
- Bringing Awareness to the Injustices Faced by Farmworkers Workers & Industries
2019
- New Law Tackles Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Public Safety
- Dissecting Labor Code 4850 Benefits: What is Included, What is Not? Public Safety
- Striking a Chord with Justice for Teachers and Students Workers & Industries
- GEKLAW Partner Sherry Grant Receives President's Award from CAAA Firm News
- Toxic Exposure in and Out of the Workplace--What You Need to Know Safety & Health
- During Lobby Day 2019, Workers' Compensation Attorneys Support Legislation to Help Those Hurt at Work Laws & Courts
- Unique Factors Impact the Safety of Older Women Workers Workers & Industries
- Linemen—The Real "Power Players" Workers & Industries
2018
- Exercise Your Right to Vote And Help Protect Your Workers' Compensation Benefits Laws & Courts
- New Worker's Compensation Laws Positively Impact First Responders Public Safety
- UTLA Gears Up to Form a United Front to Protect the Rights of Teachers and Students Workers & Industries
- CA Supreme Court Issues Decision That Brings Into Focus Utilization Review and the "No-Fault" Nature of the Workers' Compensation System Medical Care & IMR
- U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 Is a Strike against Public Sector Unions Laws & Courts
- Independent Contractor vs. Employee—The Proof is in the Classification, According to a California Supreme Court Ruling Laws & Courts
- Deadline for Application for Return to Work Supplemental Program Has Been Extended Benefits & Claims
- Have you Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury Without Even Knowing It? Medical Care & IMR
- Exploring the Legalities of the Blank Medical Release Form Public Safety
- Differing Court Decisions Highlight the Importance of Timelines in Medical Treatment Disputes Medical Care & IMR
2017
- Workers' Compensation Documents Now Available in Six Languages Benefits & Claims
- New Case About Disability Stemming from Medical Treatment Is a Victory for Injured Workers Laws & Courts
- Appellate Court Reverses Extension of Labor Code Section 4850 Salary Continuation/TTD Payments Beyond Five Years from Date of Injury Public Safety
- What You Can Do Immediately After A Work Injury To Minimize Its Financial Effects Benefits & Claims
- Class-Action Lawsuit Claims Gender Discrimination in California's Workers' Compensation System Laws & Courts
- The Patrol-Admin Dichotomy: Promoting to a Position with Administrative and Law Enforcement Responsibilities (and Stress) Public Safety
- GEK Attorneys' On-Going Search for Knowledge Firm News
- Warehouse Workers Face Hazardous Conditions Workers & Industries
- Exploring the Definition of an Independent Contractor Laws & Courts
- The New Year Brings New Laws Affecting California Workers Laws & Courts
2016
- Reflecting On a System That Needs Fixing Laws & Courts
- Public Safety Officers Can Protect Themselves by Working Out Wisely Public Safety
- Fight Grows Against Toxic LAUSD Elementary Schools Safety & Health
- Your Wearable Could Be Used Against You in Court Benefits & Claims
- GEK Attorneys Play Essential Roles in CAAA and SCAAA Firm News
- Controlling Your Medical Treatment: Is Pre-designation the Right Option for You? Medical Care & IMR
- New Rule Encourages Transparency in Reporting Safety & Health
- Workers No Longer Have to Stand for It Safety & Health
- California's New $15 Minimum Wage May Affect Workers' Compensation Benefits Benefits & Claims
- Supreme Court Tie Protects Union Fees, but More Changes Are Brewing Laws & Courts
- Don't Be a Star in Your Own Sub-Rosa (Hidden) Video Benefits & Claims
- Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association Could Weaken Public Sector Unions Laws & Courts
- Six GEK Attorneys Named as 2016 Super Lawyers Firm News
- Don't Overlook the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund Benefits & Claims
2015
- GEK Partner Adam Dombchik Receives Award of Excellence Firm News
- PTSD—Take it Seriously Public Safety
- Court of Appeal To Hear Oral Arguments Regarding the Constitutionality of the Independent Medical Review Process Medical Care & IMR
- The Impact Of A Third-Party Administrator On Your Workers' Compensation Case Benefits & Claims
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Workers' Compensation—What You Need to Know About Your Benefits Medical Care & IMR
- Looking at the ADA 25 Years Later Laws & Courts
- Prevent Heat Illness from Turning Deadly Safety & Health
- Speaking Out For Injured Workers' Rights Laws & Courts
- Legal Challenges Are Made To The Medical Treatment Dispute Resolution Process Medical Care & IMR
- GEK Partner Sherry E. Grant Receives Award of Excellence Firm News
- UTLA Continues to Organize for Power…Together Workers & Industries
- California Supreme Court Reinforces the "Grand Bargain" in Workers' Compensation Laws & Courts
- Six GEK Attorneys Named as 2015 Super Lawyers Firm News
- Ruling Favors Injured Worker--Entitled to Two Vouchers for Educational Retraining and Skill Enhancement Benefits & Claims
2014
- Covered California Open Enrollment Begins November 15 Benefits & Claims
- Complaint Form Issued for Employers, Insurers that Delay Medical Treatment Medical Care & IMR
- California's Workplace Laws Cover All Injured Employees Regardless of immigration status Workers & Industries
- New Law Prohibits Discrimination of Workers' Compensation Benefits Based on Immigration Status Workers & Industries
- Governor Brown Vetoes MRSA Bill Laws & Courts
- Six GEK Attorneys Named as Best Lawyers in America® Firm News
- Less Hours Plus More Work Equals a Greater Chance for Injury Safety & Health
- Legislative Update: Keeping the Public Safety Community Informed Public Safety
- Comp Claimants With Attorneys Can Choose New Medical Panels Medical Care & IMR
- GEK Attorney Fights the Good Fight and Wins for a Sheriff's Deputy Public Safety
- Workers' Compensation Benefits Apply to All Workers & Industries
- Repetitive Movements Are a Common Cause of Workplace Injuries Safety & Health
- Nurses, Attorneys and Unions Push to Obtain Benefits for Healthcare Workers Workers & Industries
- Hotel Worker Suffers Brain Hemorrhage After a 14-Hour "Work Day" Workers & Industries
- Voters Weigh In on Work-Related Issues Laws & Courts
- Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Affirms Worker's Right to Invalidate Flawed Utilization Review Decisions Medical Care & IMR
- Final Regulations Set for the IMR Process Medical Care & IMR
- Is an Insurance Company Seeking to Buy Out Your Workers' Compensation Award? Benefits & Claims
- Court Rules on Cases Involving Public Safety Officers Public Safety
- Understanding Independent Medical Review: Fighting for Medical Care Medical Care & IMR
2013
- Using Technology to Help Fight for Justice on Behalf of Injured Workers Firm News
- Shift Work Can Be Hazardous to Your Health Safety & Health
- The Problem with IMR is UR Medical Care & IMR
- Taking a Creative Look at SB 863 and Independent Medical Review Medical Care & IMR
- Seven GEK Attorneys Named as Best Lawyers in America® Firm News
- Know Your Rights to Medical Treatment for Work-Related Injuries (Regardless of Date of Injury) Medical Care & IMR
- Attorneys Voice Their Concerns at Lobby Day in Sacramento Laws & Courts
- Keeping the Workplace Safe Safety & Health
- Women's Caucus Tackles Gender Bias in Workers’ Compensation Issues Workers & Industries
- Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim—What You Need to Know About the First 90 Days Benefits & Claims
- Blood Borne Pathogens Create Workplace Risks Safety & Health
- Attorney Adam Dombchik Named One of the Most Influential People Firm News
- SB 863 Changes the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher Benefit Benefits & Claims
- Adam Dombchik Named Applicant Attorney of the Year Firm News
- Finding a Doctor to Treat a Job-Related Injury Medical Care & IMR
- It Takes a Team to Handle Hazardous Business Public Safety
- Labor Code Inclusion Is a Positive Aspect of Senate Bill 863 Medical Care & IMR
- New Workers' Compensation Law Leads to Independent Medical Review Process Medical Care & IMR
- Be Extra Vigilant and Work Safe--How Realignment Affects You Public Safety
2012
- Senate Bill 863 – Governor Brown and the Legislature Reform Workers' Compensation… Again Medical Care & IMR
- We Must Stand Up Now Against SB 863 Medical Care & IMR
- The proposed workers' compensation legislation would harm teachers and school employees who are injured and cannot return to their jobs Workers & Industries
- Four GEK Attorneys Named 2012 Southern California Super Lawyers - Rising Star Firm News
- Know the Facts When You're Out in the Sun Safety & Health
- GEK Partner Sherry Grant Educates the Workers' Compensation Community Firm News
- GEK Sponsors the Police Unity Tour, Southern California Chapter VII Public Safety
- Exploring the Painful Truth for Healthcare Workers Workers & Industries
- Fishing Through Your Medical Records: The Dreaded Blank Medical Release Form Medical Care & IMR
- Court Rules that Correctional Officer's Off-Duty Injury Was Job-Related Public Safety
- Examining the Role of a Nurse Case Manager in a Workers' Compensation Case Medical Care & IMR
- Supreme Court Denies Review in Ogilvie Case, First District Court of Appeal Decision Stands Laws & Courts
- Six GEK Attorneys Named as Best Lawyers in America® Firm News
- Seven GEK Attorneys Named as 2012 Super Lawyers Firm News
2011
- A Big Win for the "Little Guy" Workers & Industries
- Workers' Compensation Legislative Update Laws & Courts
- Understanding the Need for a Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights Workers & Industries
- Hispanic Workers Face More Dangerous Conditions Workers & Industries
- GEK Attorneys Named 2011 Southern California Super Lawyers - Rising Star Firm News
- Hotel Housekeepers Get off Your Knees and Straighten Your Backs Workers & Industries
- Law Firm Supports Senate Bill Designed To Help Hotel Housekeepers Workers & Industries
- Staying On Your Feet at Work Raises the Risk of Varicose Veins Safety & Health
- GEK Attorney Applies Almaraz Guzman II, Wins Increased Permanent Disability Benefits Benefits & Claims
- Court of Appeal Decision Affirms Right to Rebut Standard Rating Benefits & Claims
- California Court of Appeal Holds that Employer Policy Handbook Trumps Attorney-Client Privilege Laws & Courts
- GEK Attorneys Discuss the Impact of Violence on Teachers Workers & Industries
2010
- Supreme Court Rules Against Injured Workers on Apportionment Formula Laws & Courts
- Facebook May Not Be a "Friend" Benefits & Claims
- AMA Guides Negative Effect on Permanent Disability Ratings Benefits & Claims
- Court Rules the WCAB Has Jurisdiction to Impose Penalties Against a Public Employer for Failure to Pay Advance Disability Pension Payments Laws & Courts
- Does Working from Home Equate to Permanent and Total Disability? Benefits & Claims
- Soaring Insurer Profits Leave Injured Workers Sore Laws & Courts
- You Can Make a Difference— Join in the Tribute to Injured and Fallen Workers Safety & Health
- Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Decides Anew on Two Important Cases Laws & Courts
2009
- Law Firm Represents Injured Teachers as They Face Unprecedented Challenges Workers & Industries
- Richard Felton Fights to Preserve Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits Firm News
2008
- Union Members Rally Their Support Around Carwash Workers and Their Efforts to Unionize Workers & Industries
2007
2006
- Court Clarifies Procedure for Spinal Surgery Disputes in Workers’ Compensation Cases Medical Care & IMR
- State Senate Acts to Stop Bias in Permanent Disability Cuts! Laws & Courts
2004
- Gordon, Edelstein Partner Sherry E. Grant Featured in Sky Radio Network's "Salute to Women in Leadership" - Profile Seen in TIME Magazine Across the Country - Firm News
Undated
- Try Not to Stress Over Lowered Threshold for High Blood Pressure Safety & Health
- The Debate Continues: California's Legislative Response To Worker Classifications Laws & Courts
- Spreading Cheer to Neediest Young Angelenos Firm News
- Court of Appeal Hands Down Decision That Is Favorable to Injured Workers Benefits & Claims
- Appeal Court Decision Upholds Injured Deputy's Award for Continuous Trauma Claims Public Safety
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