In the city of San Luis Obispo, people who are injured at work are entitled to worker’s compensation. Part of the monies paid out will be in the form of medical benefits. This is typically the first set of payments that an injured worker will receive.
Under current state law, the Department of Workers’ Compensation states that a worker will receive the cost of medical treatment that is necessary to “cure or relieve” the effects (or symptoms) of an injury. The costs are paid with no deductible to the employee. Costs covered include hospital bills, doctor’s bills, medical equipment, prescription medications, up to 24 visits to a physical therapist, and up to 24 visits to a chiropractor. These two types of therapy must be considered necessary to recovery.
An employer’s insurance company is liable for medical costs, even before worker’s compensation kicks in. Once a person is injured, the insurance company is liable for up to $10,000 of medical costs, and those costs do not have to be repaid if the claim is denied. This is true of any on-the-job injury, whether minor or severe.
Any worker who is injured on the job is entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. While the claim can be filled out and submitted without the assistance of an attorney, a worker may want to consult an attorney for advice. It may also be beneficial to contact an attorney if a claim has been denied for any reason. No injured worker should be held financially liable for an on-the-job accident.
