January 16, 2023

Workers’ Compensation Insurance For Small Businesses in California

No matter how safe a workplace might seem, workers can still suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. Common workplace hazards include traffic collisions, falls, slips, inhaling toxic fumes, cuts, or exposure to loud noise. Some workers might develop carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries. The cost of medical care for work-related injuries can be extensive, as well as reimbursing injury victims for lost income. California law requires the large majority of businesses in the state to carry workers’ compensation insurance that provides benefits for injured workers. Small businesses need to ensure they have the right policy for their type of business, budget, workforce, potential risks, and more. You don’t want a policy that costs too much for your company, but you always want adequate coverage to comply with the law and cover your employees. Small business owners in California should work with a trusted insurance professional who can identify the right policy to meet their needs.

Workers’ Comp Coverage

Medical Expenses

Employees who become ill or injured at work are entitled to receive workers’ compensation insurance benefits that cover all their medical expenses. These can include:

Diagnostic tests such as MRIs and X-rays
Emergency room charges
Doctor visits
Surgery
Physical and occupational therapy
Medications and medical equipment

Workers’ compensation insurance may also cover physiotherapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic treatment; however, there might be a restriction on the number of visits. Workers’ compensation insurance doesn’t cover alternative treatments like acupuncture or naturopathic treatments.

Lost Income or Missed Wages

An employee who misses work for any time due to injury sustained in an accident can file a lost wages claim. Lost wages refer to the income an employee could have earned from the time of the accident through the date of the accident. Employees can miss work while attending a medical appointment, rehabilitation, or other treatments. In other cases, a worker can claim lost wages if they cannot work due to physical or emotional pain or restrictions from their condition.

Disability

Severe injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, or amputations can cause permanent disability. Workers’ compensation insurance offers disability benefits to injured victims who cannot work temporarily or permanently due to their work-related injuries.

Death Benefits

Workers’ compensation insurance coverage provides benefits to the surviving family members of an employee who dies from a work-related injury. Benefits can include funeral costs, income replacement, and more, depending on the situation.

Speak with an Expert Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provider

Operational risks like workplace accidents can prove costly for a small business near Northridge, CA. Further, a small business can face serious penalties if someone gets hurt and the company does not have the required workers’ compensation coverage under the law. Never risk unnecessary liability or penalties because you did not have proper coverage. You also want to avoid paying more than necessary for coverage to protect your company’s bottom line. At Panorama Insurance, we work with several insurance providers to provide the best coverage for your business. Contact us online or call us at 818-781-6630 to learn more.

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