Bill 1870: Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Legislation to Boost Workers' Rights
Great news out of Sacramento…Governor 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 by requiring employers to ensure that injured employees are aware of their rights to seek legal counsel.
In addition to explaining injury reporting procedures and the rights to a treating physician, conspicuously located workplace posters must now clearly inform workers of their ability to consult an attorney to assist them in navigating the complexities of the workers' compensation system.
Furthermore, this provision underscores that no retaliatory action may be taken against the injured worker as they exercise these entitlements under the law, and that attorney fees are paid from an injured worker's benefit package, not out-of-pocket.
GEKLAW extends its appreciation to the Governor and lawmakers for their commitment to upholding workers' rights and ensuring fair treatment within the workplace. By expanding the information available to employees, the state aims to empower workers to make informed decisions about their health, well-being and legal options following a workplace injury.
What the new notice means for you
AB 1870 took effect January 1, 2025. Since then, the workers’ compensation notice that California employers must post where employees can easily see it has to tell workers that they may consult a licensed attorney about their claim. The notice must also explain that attorney fees in a workers’ compensation case are paid out of the benefits awarded, not out of pocket. That notice sits alongside the information employers already had to provide, such as how to report an injury and how to get medical treatment.
In practice, talking to a lawyer early often protects benefits that are easy to lose. Examples include missed deadlines to challenge a treatment denial, a temporary disability rate calculated on the wrong wages, or a QME panel chosen without advice. If you have been hurt at work, see what to do first or request a free case evaluation.
