Benefits, Claims & Payments
California’s workers’ compensation system is meant to replace lost wages, pay for medical care, and compensate injured workers for lasting impairment. The rules behind each of those benefits are technical, and the deadlines are unforgiving.
These articles cover temporary disability (TD) payments and their annual rate adjustments, permanent disability ratings, the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit voucher, medical mileage reimbursement, compromise-and-release settlements, and depositions. They also cover the insurer tactics that can affect what you ultimately receive, including surveillance video, social-media monitoring and buyout offers.
Figures in older articles reflect the law when they were written. For current numbers, start with the guides below or ask one of our attorneys about your claim.
Our guides on this topic
All 28 articles
- When a Workers’ Comp Case Involves Other Legal ClaimsA workplace injury may involve workers' compensation, employment law, disability rights, or third-party claims. Learn what issues to identify early.
- Workers' Comp Disability Benefits Are Going Up in 2026 — Here's What That MeansInjured in 2026? California workers' comp disability benefits are increasing. Here's how higher weekly limits could affect your claim.
- Medical Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases in 2025The medical mileage reimbursement rate has increased in 2025. This rate is tied to the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) published mileage rate.
- Entitlement to Temporary Disability Payments When Employer Fails to Adequately Communicate Offer of Modified WorkDiscover your rights to temporary disability payments if your employer's modified work offer isn't clear. Learn how to secure the benefits you're entitled to.
- Conditions That May Qualify for Federal Government Disability BenefitsDiscover the medical conditions that may qualify for disability benefits. Geklaw's experienced attorneys can guide you through the claims process.
- Permanent Disability Benefits Within California's Workers' Compensation SystemWe want to keep you up to date on Workers' Compensation legislation in California and how it impacts the future permanent disability payments to injured workers.
- Understanding Cumulative Trauma Injuries…Know Your RightsLearn how repetitive or cumulative trauma injuries occur, common affected jobs, and how California Workers' Compensation protects injured employees.
- What Is a Workers' Compensation Deposition in California?Understanding the deposition process in a Workers' Compensation case in California.
- Temporary Total Disability Rates Have IncreasedCalifornia temporary total disability rates increased for 2022 work injury claims after a rise in the State Average Weekly Wage. Learn how TTD benefits are calculated.
- Deadline for Application for Return to Work Supplemental Program Has Been ExtendedThe deadline to apply for California's Return-to-Work Supplement Program has been extended for injured workers who received vouchers before December 1, 2015.
- Workers' Compensation Documents Now Available in Six LanguagesWith recent legislation, California Workers' Compensation information is available in six languages—reflecting the state's cultural diversity.
- What You Can Do Immediately After A Work Injury To Minimize Its Financial EffectsGEKLAW outlines the steps to take after a work injury to reduce financial stress and secure benefits through SDI or workers' compensation.
- Your Wearable Could Be Used Against You in CourtTechnology can play an even bigger role in a Workers' Compensation or Personal Injury case with the increased consumer use of wearables, such as the Fitbit and Apple Watch.
- California's New $15 Minimum Wage May Affect Workers' Compensation BenefitsThe increase in California's minimum wage will have a positive impact on the temporary disability benefits provided to an injured worker.
- Don't Be a Star in Your Own Sub-Rosa (Hidden) VideoInjured workers must follow medical restrictions at work and play so sub-rosa videos cannot undermine their workers' compensation case.
- Don't Overlook the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust FundLearn how California's Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) may provide additional compensation to injured workers with pre-existing disabilities.
- The Impact Of A Third-Party Administrator On Your Workers' Compensation CaseLearn how third-party administrators (TPAs) affect California Workers' Compensation claims. GEKLAW explains how TPAs operate, their profit motives, and what injured workers need to know.
- Ruling Favors Injured Worker--Entitled to Two Vouchers for Educational Retraining and Skill EnhancementIn Silva v. Liberty Mutual, a California Workers' Compensation judge ruled that an injured worker was entitled to two separate job displacement vouchers for distinct injuries.
- Covered California Open Enrollment Begins November 15Covered California open enrollment begins November 15. Attorney Sherry Grant explains renewal deadlines, rate changes, and health insurance options for California residents.
- Is an Insurance Company Seeking to Buy Out Your Workers' Compensation Award?Attorney Alvaro Lizarraga explains the pros and cons of insurance companies offering lump-sum buyouts for workers' compensation future medical awards.
- Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim—What You Need to Know About the First 90 DaysInjured at work? Learn exactly what happens in the first 90 days of a California workers' compensation claim—from reporting and DWC-1 timelines to medical provider networks (MPNs) and temporary benefits.
- SB 863 Changes the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher BenefitAttorney Jill A. Singer explains how SB 863 changed California's Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher, providing up to $6,000 for retraining injured workers.
- GEK Attorney Applies Almaraz Guzman II, Wins Increased Permanent Disability BenefitsAttorney Adam Dombchik successfully applied Almaraz/Guzman II to win increased permanent disability benefits for a client under California law.
- Court of Appeal Decision Affirms Right to Rebut Standard RatingCalifornia's Ogilvie decision confirmed that injured workers may rebut standard permanent disability ratings using vocational evidence in certain workers' compensation cases.
- Facebook May Not Be a "Friend"Learn how Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and other social networking activity can affect workers' compensation and personal injury claims.
- AMA Guides Negative Effect on Permanent Disability RatingsCourt decision states that a strict interpretation of the American Medical Association Guidelines isn't always required in determining permanent disability.
- Does Working from Home Equate to Permanent and Total Disability?Working from home does not eliminate workplace injury risk. Learn how workers' compensation applies to remote and home-based employees in California.
- Court of Appeal Hands Down Decision That Is Favorable to Injured WorkersIn Duncan v. WCAB, the California Court of Appeal ruled in favor of injured workers, affirming earlier cost of living adjustments to life pension benefits.
