Laws, Courts & Legislation
California’s workers’ compensation system is written in Sacramento and interpreted in the courts. GEKLAW attorneys have spent decades lobbying for injured workers, attending Lobby Day at the Capitol, and following the cases that change how claims are decided.
This section covers new legislation, the bills we supported and opposed, union and ballot issues that affect working people, and appellate and Supreme Court decisions on everything from apportionment and worker classification to employer penalties. Every article is dated, so check whether a later law or ruling has changed the picture before relying on an older one.
Our guides on this topic
All 29 articles
- 2025 California Workers' Compensation Bills to WatchExplore key 2025 California workers' comp bills and how they may affect injured workers' rights. Stay up-to-date with expert insights from GEKLAW attorneys.
- Bill 1870: Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Legislation to Boost Workers' RightsGovernor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1870 into law! This new legislation, backed by the California Applicants' Attorneys Association, is another leap forward in strengthening workers' rights.
- New Law Provides Additional Safety Measures for Utility WorkersCalifornia's new Wade Kilpatrick Gas Safety Adequacy Act increases safety for utility workers and raises penalties for repeat pipeline offenders.
- During Lobby Day 2019, Workers' Compensation Attorneys Support Legislation to Help Those Hurt at WorkGEKLAW attorneys joined CAAA Lobby Day 2019 in Sacramento, advocating for bills supporting injured workers.
- Exercise Your Right to Vote And Help Protect Your Workers' Compensation BenefitsGEKLAW encourages Californians to vote and stay informed about laws affecting workers' compensation benefits. Learn how legislation and court rulings shape the rights of injured workers.
- U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 Is a Strike against Public Sector UnionsThe U.S. Supreme Court's Janus v. AFSCME decision ends mandatory Fair Share fees, striking a major blow to public sector unions across the nation.
- Independent Contractor vs. Employee—The Proof is in the Classification, According to a California Supreme Court RulingThe California Supreme Court's Dynamex decision established the ABC test to determine if workers are employees or independent contractors under state law.
- New Case About Disability Stemming from Medical Treatment Is a Victory for Injured WorkersThe Hikida v. WCAB case confirms employers are 100% liable for disabilities caused by medical treatment for work injuries, strengthening California worker rights.
- Class-Action Lawsuit Claims Gender Discrimination in California's Workers' Compensation SystemA class-action lawsuit filed by SEIU and women workers challenges systemic gender discrimination in California's Workers' Compensation system.
- Exploring the Definition of an Independent ContractorAttorney Alvaro Lizarraga explains how misclassified workers in California may still qualify as employees for workers' compensation benefits.
- The New Year Brings New Laws Affecting California WorkersLearn how 2017 California labor laws improved worker safety, wages, and fraud prevention across multiple industries.
- Reflecting On a System That Needs FixingThe San Bernardino shooting survivors continue to struggle for proper medical care as the Workers' Compensation system delays and denies treatment. A year later, many injured workers face new battles created by Senate Bill 863.
- Supreme Court Tie Protects Union Fees, but More Changes Are BrewingThe U.S. Supreme Court's 4–4 split in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association temporarily preserved public-sector union Fair Share fees and collective bargaining protections.
- Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association Could Weaken Public Sector UnionsThe Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association Supreme Court case could weaken public-sector unions by challenging Fair Share fees, impacting workers' rights and collective bargaining.
- Looking at the ADA 25 Years LaterIn 2015, GEKLAW reflects on the ADA's 25th anniversary—what improved in access and employment, and what still needs enforcement for people with disabilities.
- Speaking Out For Injured Workers' RightsGEK attorneys participated in CAAA Lobby Day in Sacramento to discuss workers' compensation issues with legislators.
- California Supreme Court Reinforces the "Grand Bargain" in Workers' CompensationThe California Supreme Court reaffirmed the Grand Bargain of workers' compensation, ensuring families of injured workers receive fair death benefits.
- Governor Brown Vetoes MRSA BillGovernor Jerry Brown vetoed AB 2616, a California bill that would have created workers' compensation protections for nurses and healthcare workers exposed to MRSA.
- Voters Weigh In on Work-Related IssuesA CAAA survey highlights gender bias in workers' compensation medical treatment and the impact of SB 863 reforms on injured workers.
- Attorneys Voice Their Concerns at Lobby Day in SacramentoCAAA leaders and GEKLAW attorneys met with legislators during Lobby Day in Sacramento to advocate for injured workers and civil court funding.
- Supreme Court Denies Review in Ogilvie Case, First District Court of Appeal Decision StandsThe California Supreme Court declined to review the Ogilvie III decision, leaving in place the ruling on how injured workers may rebut the 2005 permanent disability rating schedule.
- Workers' Compensation Legislative UpdatePartner Adam Dombchik reviews key workers' compensation bills from the 2010–2011 California legislative session, including vetoes of AB 1155 and AB 947 by Governor Jerry Brown.
- California Court of Appeal Holds that Employer Policy Handbook Trumps Attorney-Client PrivilegeA California Court of Appeal decision shows that workplace emails to your lawyer may not be privileged if your employer's handbook removes the expectation of privacy.
- Supreme Court Rules Against Injured Workers on Apportionment FormulaThe California Supreme Court ruled that prior disability percentages—not prior monetary awards—must be deducted when calculating workers' compensation permanent disability benefits.
- Court Rules the WCAB Has Jurisdiction to Impose Penalties Against a Public Employer for Failure to Pay Advance Disability Pension PaymentsThe 1st District Appeal Court rules that the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board can impose penalties on public employers for unreasonably delaying or denying advance disability pension payments.
- Soaring Insurer Profits Leave Injured Workers SoreWorkers' compensation insurers in California are reporting record profits—more than triple the national average—while injured workers receive fewer benefits.
- Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Decides Anew on Two Important CasesThe Almaraz/Guzman II and Ogilvie II decisions clarified how injured California workers may rebut permanent disability rating schedules to pursue fairer compensation awards.
- State Senate Acts to Stop Bias in Permanent Disability Cuts!State Sen. Carole Migden sponsored SB 1115 to stop doctors from reducing Permanent Disability benefits based on age, race, gender or other discriminatory factors.
- The Debate Continues: California's Legislative Response To Worker ClassificationsLearn how California Assembly Bill 5 codified the ABC test to determine worker status, reshaping the rights of employees and independent contractors.
